Every Gardener Gets the Blues. And the Pinks. And the Purples....
If you’re ever asked which color hydrangea is your favorite, beware! It’s a trick question. The truth is, the beauty of this classic perennial – whether blue, pink, purple, lime green or pure white – cannot be denied. The hydrangea was first cultivated in Japan, but ancient fossils have been discovered in North America dating back 40 to 65 million years!
Two Greek words combine to form the name: “hydor” meaning water and “angos” meaning vessel. And that’s the first clue for taking care of this very thirsty pompom. Today, we'll learn how to water, grow and care for hydrangeas in your garden.
When and how to prune hydrangeas is an age-old question. Since there are dozens of varieties, there is, unfortunately, not one answer. The simplest rule is to remove dead branches in the spring, letting Mother Nature take care of the rest.
Making the Cut
The grower’s reward for proper hydrangea care is a vase bursting with exquisite blossoms! Head out to the garden, preferably in the morning, with a vase already filled with tepid water. Using a sharp knife or clippers, cut the most mature flowers on a diagonal, and put them into the water immediately. Once indoors, you can clean up your bouquet, removing smaller leaves. Keep the water clean and free from floating debris that can cause bacteria.
Their Color Is At Your Command
Hydrangeas are called “chameleon blossoms” for a reason. Except for the white ones, they change their color according to the pH level (acid vs. alkaline) of the soil they’re in: the more acidic the soil, the bluer the blossoms. If your blossoms are pink, you could sprinkle coffee grounds, crushed eggshells or ground citrus peels around the roots. The acidity of the soil will slowly increase – and so will the blueness of this beautiful blossom.
Hydrangeas are cool. They’ll grow in a wide variety of conditions, but prefer full sun in the morning, with afternoon shade. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil, so if you need to add some compost, don’t hesitate. Above all, make sure this exquisite plant gets enough water. A daily shower may be necessary in hot, dry conditions, but commit to a deep watering at least once a week.
There’s a perfect Teknor Apex garden hose for keeping your hydrangeas – and every other plant in your outdoor world – thriving. The Apex name means uncompromising quality.
