If you are looking for a beautiful plant that grows lush and brings a touch of colour to your garden, the hydrangea will not disappoint you: its bushes, in spring, bloom in a riot of wonderful shades that perfume the atmosphere. It’s the perfect choice if you have enough space, but some varieties also lend themselves to being planted in pots to brighten up your balcony. In addition, hydrangeas do not require much attention and are easy to grow, adapting well to the Mediterranean climate. Let’s see how to grow them, both in the garden and in pots.

Index

• Hydrangea, the characteristics of the plant
• How to Plant Hydrangeas
  • Potted
  • In the garden
• How to Grow Hydrangeas

Hydrangea, the characteristics of the plant

The hydrangea (scientifically called Hydrangea) is a floral plant belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family: unbeatable in terms of ornamental species, it is characterized by large, very showy flowers, which can be of many different colors. Native to Asia and South America, it spread in the eighteenth century in England and then slowly in the rest of Europe, thanks to its adaptability even to the coldest temperatures.

There are several varieties of this plant: one of the most common is the Hydrangea macrophylla , which gives life to beautiful bushes full of colorful flowers. Its main characteristic is the ability to produce different flowers depending on the type of soil in which it is planted. If they are acidic, they will actually be bluish; On the contrary, on a basic or alkaline soil, the flowers that come out will have a very pretty pink or purple color.

Other varieties (including some climbers) are smaller and are better suited for growing in pots. This is the case of the Hydrangea panicula, the only species that produces white flowers: its small tree can reach up to 5 meters in height, but does not take up much space in width. However, all hydrangeas are easy to grow and do not require special attention. Their ideal habitat is cool and soft, so they should be placed away from direct sunlight, especially in summer or in the hottest regions. It also survives winter well, withstanding even the harshest temperatures.

How to Plant Hydrangeas

If you have decided to dedicate yourself to the cultivation of hydrangeas , there are a few steps to follow to guarantee you a lush plant that produces beautiful flowers. First of all, choose carefully the time to plant: if you start from seed, the best time is spring, around April . On the other hand, if you have bought a seedling that has already been grown and you only have to plant it, do it during the month of May or wait until autumn, between October and November.

When preparing the soil, remember that hydrangeas prefer a moist, humus-rich base, to be combined with natural fertilizers such as acid peat or manure. As we have seen, exposure is important: this plant grows best if it is placed in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight, except in winter. During the cold season, you can also move the pot inside your home, but leaving it next to a window where it can receive sunlight. If the plant is in the garden, consider mulching the soil to protect it from the coldest temperatures.

Potted

Now let’s see how to plant a hydrangea in a pot. First, choose a container that is large enough, depending on the variety you have decided to sow. It is important that the pot has holes in the bottom, to allow the soil to drain water more efficiently. Fill it with soil (preferably suitable for hydrangeas) and use fertilizer to provide it with all the nutrients your seedling will need.

At this point, make a small hole in the soil and insert the seeds: you can also use one of the techniques to speed up the germination process, and only later transfer the sprouted seed to the soil. If, on the other hand, you have bought a seedling that has already been grown, check that its roots are moist, you can immerse them in warm water for half an hour before transplanting them. Then dig a fairly deep hole and place the plant in it, then tamp down the soil with your hands. Whichever method you choose to plant hydrangeas, remember to water immediately afterward.

In the garden

To plant a hydrangea in the garden, the same indications that we have already seen apply. When preparing the potting soil, pay particular attention to fertilization: since in this case you will not have the specific potting soil for hydrangeas, it will be necessary to add a fertilizer that can guarantee the plant all the nutrition it needs to grow. Dig deep into the soil to make it softer, then dig a small hole and insert the seeds or seedling you previously purchased. Compact the soil with your hands and water immediately: hydrangeas need water to grow, and are particularly sensitive to drought.

How to Grow Hydrangeas

Once you have planted your hydrangeas, the most is done: few precautions are now necessary to ensure that the seedlings grow at their best. Let’s start with watering, the trickiest part of any grow. Since the hydrangea fears arid soils, it is important to ensure that the soil in which it lives is always sufficiently moist, but avoid dangerous water stagnations that could cause the roots to rot. The best way to understand if the plant needs water is to touch the soil with your fingers and feel if it is still wet or if it is drying out.

It is best to water thoroughly during the bud break period , while it can be reduced when the plant has already flowered. Water the soil early in the morning or in the evening after sunset, using room temperature water. You can recycle rainwater, in order to avoid problems deriving from a possible excessive presence of limescale. The hydrangea should then be pruned annually, starting in the third year of life: in autumn, after the flowering period, dry branches and faded flowers should be removed, to ensure that they do not steal food, water and light from the vital parts of the hydrangea plant.

Finally, remember to fertilize the plant periodically – especially in spring, at the beginning of flowering – and check that it is not infested with pests. In the latter case, you can try some natural remedies to defeat ants, mealybugs, aphids and red mites, the most common “enemies” of hydrangeas.