There isn't anything much more charming than a yard with hydrangeas in bloom. Hydrangeas create the perfect bordering shrub and work well with other plants.
Unless you have a true green thumb, a degree in agriculture or are the offspring of a farmer, gardening and landscaping can be overwhelming. Not to mention, if you don't educate yourself prior to planting it can quickly become apparent in your curb appeal and pocket with money wasted on shrubs that may not work in your climate zone.
A great resource for all your gardening needs is the farmers almanac. The website is packed full of information from the experts themselves.
Below is a summary of quick tips on planting, caring and pruning hydrangeas, but strongly encourage reading the full article ( link at the bottom of this post) to best educate yourself.
Hydrangea blossoms can be very large and come in several colors: Red, Pink, Blue, Purple and White. Some varieties have blossoms of different colors. The color of the hydrangea flower really varies with the acidity of the soil. Soil with a pH of less than 5.5 produce blue flowers; soils with a pH greater than 5.5 product pink flowers. White flowers are not effected by the pH levels.
Hydrangeas are easy to grow. They produce flowers from mid summer into the fall. This is the perfect way to add color to your landscape long after the vibrant colors of Spring have passed. They make excellent borders and work well in group plantings.
Planting:
Most hydrangeas thrive in rich, porous, somewhat moist soils.
They prefer full sun in the morning, with some afternoon shade; however, many will grow and bloom in partial shade.
Plant in spring or fall.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide.
Set the plant in the hole and fill it half full with soil. Water. After water is drained, fill the rest of the hole with soil.
Water thoroughly.
Space multiple hydrangeas about 3 to 10 feet apart.
Care :
For the first year, sometimes two after planting or during any drought, be sure hydrangeas get plenty of water. Leaves will wilt if the soil is too dry.
Pruning :
Pruning typically depends on the variety of hydrangea and what zone you live in.
While the farmers almanac is a great online resource, your local garden spots and nurseries will also be able to help with any tips and tricks for planting, growing and pruning for your specific area.
Information sourced from:
http://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangea
