Many areas of the world can be found growing Hydrangeas, which have large, colorful blossoms.There are many species of hydrangeas, which produce flowers in a variety of colors and shapes.As long as you plant them in the right conditions, they are relatively easy to grow.
Step 1: You can check your species' zone.
There is a minimum winter temperature of -23 to -7oC in the hardiness zones 6–9 and one of the most popular hydrangea species, Hydrangea macrophylla, does best there.There are a few species that can tolerate zone 4 conditions.
Step 2: Know when is the safest to plant.
Plants may suffer when planted in hot or cold weather.The best time to plant container-grown hydrangeas is in the spring or fall.The bare root hydrangeas should be planted early in the spring so they have time to adapt to their new location.
Step 3: A place in your yard that gets sun and shade is a good place to start.
Ideally, the hydrangea should get several hours of sun each day, but be protected from the hottest afternoon sun by a wall or other barrier.Pick a location with bright partial shade throughout the day if it is not possible in your yard.
Step 4: Allow sufficient space for it to grow.
The bushes can grow to 4' by 2'.If you want a better idea of how large your hydrangeas will grow, research your species and variety online.
Step 5: Prepare soil that is rich and porous.
Compost should be mixed into your soil if it is low in nutrition.If your soil is dense or mostly clay, mix in pine bark or other mulch material in order to prevent water from forming pools around the plant.
Step 6: Remove the roots.
It's hard for roots to grow out into the soil once they're planted because they can become tangled or clustered together.The amount of nutrients the plant absorbs can be limited by this.You can loosen your roots by cutting a few of the outside roots.The soil will be able to spread once the inner roots are free.
Step 7: Carefully plant the hydrangeas.
You should dig a hole about the same depth as the root ball or container.Lift the hydrangea and put it in the hole.Don't break the roots while moving the plant.
Step 8: The hole needs to be filled halfway with soil.
As you fill the hole, gently press the soil together to help hold up the plant.The hold is halfway filled.
Step 9: Let the hole drain and fill the rest with soil.
Leave the hole to drain for at least 15 minutes until there is no standing water.You should fill the rest of the hole the same way you filled it before.When the roots are covered, stop.Don't bury more than 1 inch of the trunk or stem.
Step 10: The plant needs water for a few days.
It's important to water newly replanted plants because they may not have full roots yet.When you're done filling the hole, water daily for the first few days after planting.
Step 11: Keep the soil moist by watering less.
When the soil is about to dry out, water whenever the hydrangea is established.It's important that you give it a deep watering each time.The soil should be kept moist.Hydrangeas bloom without difficulty and do not usually require additional care.It's a good idea to build a shade to block the sun during the afternoon.You can use mulch.If the winter forecast predicts cold weather, you may need to provide winter protection for your hydrangeas.
Step 12: Check if your species and variety produce the same colors.
Depending on the soil's aluminum content and acidity, some varieties of hydrangea can bloom pink or blue.Some members of this species only produce white blooms, while others favor the pink or blue side for easy adjustment.If you don't know the name of the hydrangea, ask the previous owner.The varieties named Enziandom, Kasteln, Merritt's Supreme, Red Star, and Rose Supreme all have the ability to be grown as pink or blue blossoms, although they vary in intensity.
Step 13: Test the soil's acidity.
Most garden supply stores sell a kit to measure the acidity of your soil.You can get a rough prediction of the flower color by measuring the soil's pH.A soil pH of 7 and up will likely result in pink or red flowers, as a rule of thumb.It is difficult to predict the effects of soil pH levels.They can result in blue, pink, or purple flowers.
Step 14: Turn the flowers blue.
If you want to encourage a blue color during the growing season, mix 15 mL of aluminum sulfate into a gallon of water.Adding aluminum to the soil will make it easier for the plant to use the metal.You should apply as much water as you would in a normal watering.Measure the soil's pH and stop applying when it drops below 5.5.Blue blossoms can be created by applying afertilizer that is high in potassium and low in phosphorus.There is a 25/6/30 blend.You should avoid bone meal and superphosphates.
Step 15: Pink blooms are encouraged.
If the hydrangea is already blue, it's hard to make it pink because of the presence of aluminum.You can either grow your plants in a pot or take precautions to encourage pink blooms.Some concrete mixes and mortars can cause aluminum to get into the soil.It's a good idea to apply afertilizer that doesn't have aluminum, but high levels of phosphorus.Look for a blend of 25 and 10.Adding wood ash or crushed limestone to the soil will make it difficult for aluminum to be absorbed.The plant may develop health problems if the pH is raised.