Plant Name: Hydrangea - Mophead
|
Technical name: Hydrangea Macrophyllas
|
Plant Family / Type: Hydrangeaceae / Deciduous Shrub
|
Preferred location: Fun Sun / Partial Shade
|
Mature height: 3’ – 4’
|
Mature Width: 3’ – 4’
|
Growth Rate / Habit: Moderate / Bushy, Upright
|
Flower / Foliage:
· Large Globe-shaped clusters of flowers bloom – August to Sept
· Boom on Old wood
· Flower color depends on soil chemistry. The people who have the most control over the color of their hydrangeas are those who grow them in containers. It’s much easier to change from Pink to Blue. Changing a hydrangea from Pink to Blue entails adding aluminum to the soil. Changing from Blue to Pink means subtracting aluminum from the soil.
· Blue flowers if the is alkaline, add sulfur to the planting area. Pink flowers If the soil is acidic, add lime
· Most Hydrangea will bloom and grow well in Morning Sun and Afternoon Shade. Especially true for Hydrangea Macrophyllas
|
Preferred soil:
· Hardy shrub that grow well in a variety of soil conditions. Grow best in moist, well-drained soils and are shade tolerant
|
Pruning and Maintenance:
· Time – after flowering
· Don't need to be pruned back unless you want to control their size or the plant is very old. Cutting off about 1/3 of the oldest stems will give you a fuller plant. When to prune hydrangeas: After blossoms fade
· Removing dead stems is the only pruning that must be done for the health of the plant, and these can be removed at any time. Dead blooms can also be removed at any time
· Care should be taken not to tear the stems, which can damage the plant. Use clean, sharp pruners
· ‘Endless Summer’ Hydrangea will bloom no matter when they are pruned
|
Propagation:
· Take 4 inch (10 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring or early summer and root them in moist potting mix
|
Fertilize
· Late Spring (June or July) with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 for flowering plants
· Do not fertilize after August as it may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter
· Too much fertilizer may scorch its leaves
· Don't put any fertilizer on the hydrangea if it is wilting
|
Hydrangea - Mophead
