Cultivation Methods of Potted Hydrangeas
Let me tell you about the knowledge of hydrangea cultivation at home, the methods of growing potted hydrangeas. The following is a detailed explanation by the editor for you.
Having a potted hydrangea is the dream of most flower enthusiasts. Let's take a look at a translation of the cultivation methods of potted hydrangeas, where some parts of the text have been replaced with domestic standards, making it very suitable for reference by flower enthusiasts!
First, get a general understanding of hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are shrubs or vines, with some varieties being evergreen. The flowering period is from late spring to late autumn, usually planted in spring and autumn. The plant can reach a height of about 80 centimeters and a diameter of 90 centimeters, with some growing up to 7 meters high, and vine-type hydrangeas can grow up to 15 meters.
Hydrangeas are cold-resistant, suitable for growing in China's zones 4-9, as shown in the figure below.
Hydrangeas need to be planted in moist and well-drained soil, preferably in a cool and semi-shaded area. Avoid placing them in windy spots to prevent frostbite during winter nights, and also avoid direct sunlight in summer, as hydrangeas can quickly dehydrate.
Before planting, the soil should be mixed with a large amount of organic matter. For several years after planting, organic matter can be covered on the soil surface for topdressing, such as using leaf mold, household compost, or slow-release fertilizers. If necessary, hydrangeas can also be fertilized at the end of winter or in spring, but be careful not to over-fertilize, as excessive fertilizer can promote excessive growth of hydrangeas, and the tender buds produced in winter cannot resist frost.
Color Adjustment:
The most interesting aspect of hydrangeas is their ability to change flower colors, which depends on the soil pH affecting the availability of aluminum ions in the soil. In acidic soil conditions (acid makes aluminum ions in the soil become free, allowing hydrangeas to absorb aluminum particles), flowers turn blue; in slightly acidic or neutral soil, flowers are light purple; in alkaline soil conditions, they are pink. To achieve the best condition, you should choose a variety that can provide a suitable pH value.
Green and white flower varieties maintain their color regardless of the pH value.
Using rainwater to water the flowers can affect the color of the flowers (depending on whether the rainwater in your area is acidic or alkaline).
By growing hydrangeas in acidic soil (pH 4.5-5) or acidifying the soil (methods similar to blueberry cultivation, such as mixing sulfur powder in advance, watering with vinegar, using ferrous sulfate, etc.), you can keep the flowers purely blue. If the color still cannot be maintained, you can add aluminum sulfate. If the soil is very alkaline, it may not work, but potted plants usually do.
If you want pink or red flowers, mix lime powder into the soil in winter, 75-100 grams per square meter of soil (please add a small amount for potted plants).
Propagation:
Hydrangeas can be easily propagated by cuttings. However, vine-type hydrangeas are best propagated by division. They can also be propagated by seeds.
Pruning:
Pruning of hydrangeas is usually done in late winter or early spring.
After the hydrangeas have faded, the flowers should be cut off. If it's winter, they can be left on the plant to provide some frost protection for the new buds below. In early spring, cut just below the first bud point from the faded flower head.
Old branches can be cut directly from the bottom to encourage new growth. If your hydrangea has been neglected for a long time (or looks too ugly), you can cut the entire plant close to the ground, resulting in a new hydrangea, but there will be no flowers that year, and they will bloom the following year.
Vine-type hydrangeas should be pruned as little as possible since the flowers appear on the tips of new shoots, or just before new shoots appear in spring.
If early spring frost damages the tender buds, cut the tender branches to the nearest healthy bud point.
Remove poorly developed, fragile branches and branches that touch the ground. Each spring, remove aging and dead branches.
Common Issues:
Hydrangeas are usually robust. However, spring frosts, excessive pruning, or high nitrogen content in fertilizers can lead to a lack of flowers.
Occasionally, there may be pests such as scale insects, tarnished plant bugs, aphids, and grape colaspis.
The above introduction to the cultivation methods of potted hydrangeas (translated version) is for reference only.