Hydrangea Plant Care Guide
My sister is about to build her dream home so we got into a discussion the other day about creating a garden and one of the plants which she mentioned was the hydrangea. She really placed a lot of emphasis on this plant saying she would love some of these installed in her garden so thinking back on that talk which we had about these garden beauties I have decided to dedicate this post on how to successfully grow and care for hydrangeas.
With their mass of beautiful flowers, hydrangeas will bring that charm and much-needed flavor. The flowers of the hydrangeas grow in clusters with an array of colors, the beautiful display of these flowering plant is eye-popping. These garden beauties can grow anywhere from 6-8 ft in height and width.
Hydrangeas are great to add to your spring and summer garden with their beautiful flower bloom letting you know that spring and summer are here. If you would like to get in on the action with these garden beauties then continue reading as we discuss how to successfully grow and care for the hydrangea.
Planting Location
When planting hydrangeas look for a location that gets lots of sunlight.
Soil Type
The soil type should be well-drained and organically rich.
Watering Methods
When watering hydrangeas it is best to keep the soil moist not waterlogged, be careful not to allow the soil to dry out.
Fertilizing Methods
The best time of the year to fertilize hydrangeas is in the spring or early summer. A slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus will encourage flower bloom. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the hydrangeas
Hydrangeas do have their share of garden insect pests but the good news is with the proper information you can bring these garden insect pests under control keeping your hydrangeas healthy-looking with beautiful blooms. Here are the garden pests to be on the lookout for.
- Spiders Mites
- Scales
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Lygus Bugs
- Snails
- Slugs
- Caterpillar
Spider Mites, Scales, Whiteflies, Aphids
These garden insect pests cause damage by sucking the plant’s fluid, when this happens the leaves of the hydrangeas will yellow followed by browning and leaf drop. The use of a strong spray of water will eliminate them. Damage leaves and stems should be disposed of also plant parts that might be infested. Signs that you have spider mites will also be evident if spider webbing is present.
Lygus Bugs
These garden insect pests can be identified as either being brown or green, they are shield-shaped with triangle design on their backs. The Lygus bugs feed on the plant parts and you will notice holes in the leaves. The use of insecticidal soap will eliminate them also beneficial insects are effective in decreasing their population.
Snails and Slugs
Snails and Slugs pose another problem, these garden pest cause damage by eating the leaves, signs of slugs and snails includes holes in the leaves along with the leaves edges being chewed. The use of snail baits or handpicking and throwing slugs and snails in a bucket of soapy water will dispose of them.
Caterpillars
The hydrangeas leaf-tier moth cause damage by eating the leaves. These garden insect pests use their silk to tie the leaves together, The reason for this is so they can go unnoticed. If you see leaves that are folded, open them up and if the garden pests are hydrangeas leaf-tier you will see them hiding inside. To eliminate remove the infected leaves and dispose of them by dropping them in a bucket of soapy water.
Plant disease of the hydrangeas
Hydrangeas also have it shear of disease. These diseases include.
- Powdery Mildew
- Rust
- Black Spots
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew shows up as a gray powdery coating on the plant leaves. Remove the infected leaves and spray with neem oil to bring this problem under control.
Rust
To know if your hydrangeas have rust look at the surface of the leaves if the leaf’s surface is yellow or brown with the underside having spots of rust color followed by leaf drop then that’s a sure sign of rust. To bring this issue under control spray with an organic fungicide.
Black Spots
Black spots are encouraged by extremely wet and damp conditions, this problem is brought on by overwatering or rainy weather. The new growth will not have these spots and the spots will not harm the plant. If you are overwatering then decrease the amount of water you are giving your plant.
Container grown hydrangeas
Container grown hydrangeas are great to have as a part of your garden and landscape design. When installing hydrangeas in a container ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate your plant. The container should have drain holes to allow excess water to drain, The soil should be a soil that is organic-rich to hold moisture but will allow excess water to drain.
Ensure that the soil is moist at all times and do not overwater, fertilizer your hydrangeas with triple twenty. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law. Place your container in an area that gets full sunlight in the morning and some shade in the afternoon.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Pruning is so important in order for your hydrangeas to look their best. After the bloom period or season has passed, with a sharp pruner remove the flower which has faded to encourage new growth.
The final word
Hydrangeas are amazing plants and are a great choice for your garden and landscapes. These flowering plants will give that much-need flavor. Many homeowners are enjoying these plants and so can you. Making these plants a part of your garden design will give that WOW, go ahead and give these beauties a try you will be so happy that you did as this flowering beauty speaks to you in a strong cheerful tune (their bloom) that spring and summer are here.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.