Hydrangea

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Common Name

Hydrangea

Scientific Name

Hydrangea

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

North and South America, Asia,  the Himalaya

Height

12-20 inches

Width

5-10 inches

Blooming Season

Early spring to late autumn

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

White, pink or blue

Sun

Partial shade to full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained soil

Water

Full moisture

Plant Characteristics

Plants accumulate aluminum. Colors of the plants depend on the nature of the soil.

Usage

Usually used as border plants. Makes an excellent ground cover, and excellent as cut flowers.

Information

Hydrangea is a genus of about 70-75 species of flowering plants. They are very beautiful flowers. The flowers are carried in bunches, at the ends of the stems. Each individual flower is relatively small. The display of their color is enhanced by a ring of modified bracts around each flower. In most species, the flowers are white, but in some species, they can be blue, red, pink, or purple. In the case of hydrangea flowers, the color often depends on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, neutral soils produce pale cream petals, and alkaline soils result in pink or purple. Although most hydrangeas bloom in summer and fall, a few of them have developed the ability to set new bloom buds in the spring after the old ones have been pruned off or damaged.

Growing Tips

Hydrangeas are easy to propagate with cuttings obtained from the ends of non-flowering shoots with two or three pairs of leaves. They grow best in well-drained soil, which should contain plenty of organic matter or humus. It is advisable not to plant the plants in hot, dry exposes areas but instead in a shaded area. For planting, dig a large hole approximately two feet across and one foot deep. A general-purpose fertilizer should be added every other month to enhance their growth. Hydrangeas can grow in full sun if they are watered well, but will bloom more freely in partial shade. Hydrangeas need plenty of water, so it is important to water thoroughly once per week or more frequently. It is important to prune hydrangeas. Since the flowers appear on previous year's growth, prune only the stems that produced this year's flowers.

Common Problems

Aphids, red spiders and a few other insects can be an occasional problem. Treat with mild insecticides or insecticidal soaps. Powdery mildew, blights and leaf spots can occur. Treat the plants as needed with a fungicide.