For summer flower power, hydrangeas are a must. They fill up hard to plant places, producing colorful mopheads of flowers in blues, pinks, pure white, lavender and rose.
When the flowers start to fade, they can change color too. This makes them interesting in the garden, and perfect for flower arranging.
While hydrangeas typically look best when planted en masse on their own, there are a few plants that make great friends for your favorite cut flowers.
Quick Care Guide For Hydrangeas
Hydrangea macrophylla – also known as mophead, bigleaf hydrangeas, or the old-fashioned hortensia – are generally easy to grow and care for with a little knowledge and observation. They also grow well in containers.
These are woody deciduous shrubs like cool, slightly shaded conditions in the dappled shadow of trees or larger shrubs. Avoid too much shade if you want them to bloom well.
They need rich soil with plenty of compost and leaf mold added. Hydrangeas like well-draining soil, but it should be kept moist, especially during the heat of summer. A layer of mulch will help to keep the soil cool and moist.
Hydrangeas need plenty of water and are greedy feeders. They require regular applications of general fertilizer or specialized hydrangea food from spring to fall to perform their best.
Why Do Some Hydrangeas Change Flower Color?
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