Hydrangeas in the garden - cultivation, care and best varieties

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Garden hydrangeas bloom on biennial shoots, while bouquet and tree hydrangeas bloom on annual shoots. Hydrangeas grow best in semi-shaded, sheltered positions. In order for hydrangeas to bloom profusely, it is worth fertilizing them from spring until the end of summer. Lack of flowering of garden hydrangeas can be caused by improper pruning, frost or nutrient deficiency, among other things. For more interesting information, visit the main page of the PdD portal

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Garden hydrangeas bloom on biennial shoots, while bouquet and tree hydrangeas bloom on annual shoots.
Hydrangeas grow best in semi-shaded, sheltered positions.
In order for hydrangeas to bloom profusely, it is worth fertilizing them from spring until the end of summer.
Lack of flowering of garden hydrangeas can be caused by improper pruning, frost or nutrient deficiency, among other things.
For more interesting information, visit the main page of the PdD portal

Hydrangeas are some of the most beautiful and impressive garden shrubs. Their large, colorful inf lorescences catch the eye and add beauty to the space around the house. They are valued for their long flowering, variety of colors and relatively easy care. In this article you will learn which varieties of hydrangeas are worth having in the garden, how to grow them and how to properly care for them.

Hydrangeas delight with large, colorful inflorescences

Photo Summer Quinn © UNSPLASH

Types of hydrangeas - which variety to choose?

Among hydrangeas you will find several popular species, which differ in requirements, size and flower form. Here are the most common varieties of garden hydrangeas:

Garden hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla).

This is the species we most often see in Polish gardens. Its characteristic feature is spherical inflorescences in shades of pink, blue, purple or white. The color of the flowers can change depending on the pH of the soil - in acidic soil the flowers become blue, and in alkaline soil they become pink.

Bouquet hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).

This species is more resistant to frost and easier to grow than the garden hydrangea. The cone-shaped inflorescences of the bouquet hydrangea bloom on annual stems, so there is no risk of frost. The most popular varieties are Limelight, Vanille Fraise and Grandiflora.

Tree hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

This species is characterized by large, ball-shaped flowers and strong growth. The most popular variety is Annabelle. It is known for its huge, snow-white flowers that brighten up the garden.

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris).

Ideal for planting near pergolas, walls and arbors. It forms beautiful white inflorescences. Moreover, it is easy to grow.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).

A variety with decorative leaves resembling oak leaves, which turn red in autumn. The flowers of the oak-leaf hydrangea are white, but turn pink with time.

The most popular types of hydrangea include garden, bouquet, tree, climbing, oak-leafed

Photo by Masaaki Komori © UNSPLASH

How to grow hydrangeas in the garden?

Hydrangeas grow best in semi-shaded positions, sheltered from the wind. They like fertile, moist and permeable soil with a slightly acidic pH. The best time to plant hydrangeas is spring or early autumn. The seedlings should be placed in a hole about 40 cm deep and 50 cm wide. It is worth adding compost or a special substrate designed for hydrangeas to the soil. These plants have a high demand for water. During the summer they should be watered regularly, especially on hot days. It is best to do this in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation of water. To make hydrangeas bloom abundantly, it is worth fertilizing them from spring to the end of summer. Fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus work best. You can use special hydrangea fertilizers that help maintain the intense color of the flowers. Importantly, not all hydrangeas require intensive pruning. Garden hydrangeas bloom on biennial shoots, so their pruning should be very careful - it is enough to remove the flowering inflorescences. Bouquet and tree hydrangeas bloom on annual shoots, so they can be pruned in early spring.

Hydrangeas like soil with a slightly acidic reaction

Photo by Caroline Zumbiehl/Tiffany Chan © UNSPLASH

Hydrangeas in every season - how to take care of them?

Spring - time for regeneration and fertilization

Spring is a key period for hydrangeas, as this is when they begin their new growth cycle. To prepare it for this, we should first remove dry, damaged or dead shoots. It is also worth applying spring fertilization, which will provide the plants with the necessary nutrients. Garden and bouquet hydrangeas respond well to fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it is worth correcting its pH to provide the plants with optimal conditions for growth.

Summer - the period of flowering and watering

In summer, hydrangeas require regular watering, especially in hot weather. Their shallow root system makes them lose moisture quickly, so it is best to water them in the morning or evening, avoiding soaking the leaves. It is also worth remembering to mulch the soil, which will help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. For hydrangea varieties that change flower color, you can use special preparations for color intensification.

Special fertilizers for hydrangeas will help produce flowers with a more intense hue

Photo: Jan Ranft © UNSPLASH

Autumn - preparation for winter

Autumn is the time to properly prepare hydrangeas for the coming winter. It is advisable to limit nitrogen fertilization so as not to stimulate the plants to grow, which could weaken them before the period of low temperatures. However, you can use potassium fertilizers to strengthen shoots and increase frost resistance. In the case of bouquet and tree hydrangeas, you can lightly trim them to make them easier to overwinter.

Winter - protection from frost

Winter is a period when hydrangeas need special care, especially if they are varieties sensitive to low temperatures. To effectively protect hydrangeas from frost, it is worth using several proven methods. The first is to mulch the roots. A thick layer of bark, leaf or straw mulch will help protect the root system from frost. For more sensitive varieties, such as garden hydrangea, it is worth using agro-fiber or jute bags to protect the plants from frost and wind. As with roses, you can also pile a mound of earth around the base of the plant, which will further protect the shoots from frost. If your hydrangeas are covered with a thick layer of snow, it's a good idea to shake it off gently to avoid breaking the shoots under its weight. In the case of garden hydrangeas, it is best to leave the flowering inf lorescences on the plant, as they provide additional protection from frost.

Hydrangeas require adequate protection from frost

Photo by Nusa Urbancek © UNSPLASH

The most common problems in hydrangea cultivation

Hydrangeas, although relatively easy to grow, can sometimes cause problems. Here are the most common ones:

Yellowing of leaves - can be the result of chlorosis, or iron deficiency. This problem occurs most often in alkaline soils. The solution is to acidify the soil with special preparations and fertilize with preparations with iron.
Lack of growth - hydrangeas can grow poorly if they have too few nutrients or have been planted on compacted, clayey soil. Improvement can be achieved by applying fertilizers designed for hydrangeas, as well as loosening the soil and enriching it with compost.
Brown spots on the leaves - They are most often a sign of fungal diseases, such as leaf spot. They appear as a result of excessive moisture and poor air circulation. Removal of infected leaves and application of fungicides can help.

Nutrient deficiency can cause lack of growth and yellowing of garden hydrangea leaves

Green flowers - In the case of garden hydrangea it often happens that, the flowers do not take on the desired colors. This happens when the soil has the wrong pH. To get blue flowers, the soil should be acidic (pH about 4.5-5.5), and for pink flowers - alkaline.
Drying and wilting of leaves - This can be the result of too dry soil or, conversely, excessive watering, which leads to root rot. Hydrangeas require regular but moderate watering.
Deformed leaves - If the leaves curl or appear distorted, it may be a symptom of an attack by pests such as aphids or spider mites. Regular inspection of the plants and the use of natural or chemical pesticides will help in the fight against pests.

To get blue flowers, the soil should be acidic, and for pink flowers - alkaline

Why doesn't the hydrangea bloom?

Another common problem in the cultivation of garden hydrangea is the lack of flowering. There can be several reasons for this. Most often it is due to improper pruning. Garden hydrangea blooms on last year's shoots, so if you trim them too much in spring or autumn, you will remove the flower buds set. Another reason can be frost. In harsh winters, especially without proper protection, the buds can be damaged and the plant will not bloom. Lack of flowering can also be the result of nutrient deficiencies, especially phosphorus and potassium, which are crucial for flower formation. Attention should also be paid to nitrogen. Its excess promotes leaf development at the expense of flowers. Unsuitable position is another negative factor. Garden hydrangea prefers semi-shaded positions, sheltered from strong winds. If it grows in full shade or is exposed to harsh sun, it may have trouble blooming. Also, be sure to water it regularly, as drought can cause flower buds to die even before they develop.

To make hydrangeas bloom profusely, it is worth fertilizing them from spring until the end of summer

What to plant next to hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas blend well with other plants, and properly selected species can not only emphasize their charm, but also improve their growth conditions. The key is to choose plants that have similar soil and moisture requirements. Funkas are ideal neighbors for hydrangeas, as they prefer partial shade and moist soil. Their decorative foliage contrasts beautifully with the lush inflorescences of hydrangeas. Ferns grow naturally in a similar environment. They feel well in the shade and keep the soil moist, which favors hydrangeas. The feathery inflorescences of the fava beans add lightness to the garden composition and tolerate moist sites well. The colorful leaves of cranberries can emphasize the color of hydrangeas. They also make the bed look attractive throughout the season. Rhododendrons and azaleas are shrubs with similar soil requirements. They prefer acidic soil and slightly shaded positions, so they go well with hydrangeas. If the soil is not too acidic, lavender can be an excellent companion for bouquet hydrangeas, creating romantic combinations and attracting pollinating insects.