The well known pink, blue or white bulbs, plumes and bouquets blast out of front gardens; Hydrangea is a well-loved garden,pot plant, cut flower, especially because of it tremendously abundant flowering. What’s more, Hydrangea is a trouble-free plant which brings beautiful colors to your garden. Did you know that you can even manipulate the colors of Hydrangea?
The name ‘Hortensia’ was first reported in 1771. It was thought up by the French botanist Philibert Commerson, who presumably named it after a woman, either his mistress or one of his female friends who was a well-known astronomer. Some high born ladies were also suggested as his source of inspiration. These included Queen Hortense, the daughter of Josephine de Beauharnais and Napoleon and Hortense de Nassau, the daughter of the Prince of Nassau. The truth about who inspired the name will always remain a mystery. The origins of the Hydrangea lies in Asia and South America. The plant got a spot in Kew Gardens botanical gardens in London and soon became popular. These days Hydrangea is available as cut flower, houseplant and garden plant.
Hydrangea Plants.
Your garden Hydrangea retains most of its flowers and right color when planted in the correct manner. Select a spot in the semi shade. A spot in the sun will also do, but in that case reckon with ample watering in the summer months. White Hydrangeas do not thrive in the sun, its flowers turn brown.
Cutting back.
March is the best time to cut back your garden Hydrangea. Below you can read how to do this best. Hydrangeas can be divided into two groups, being flowering on old buds and flowering on new buds. Both require different ways of cutting back.
Fertilizing.
Because a Hydrangea flowers so much, it also needs a lot of fertilizer. For this you can use organic, universal fertilizers. These fertilizers are not only beneficial to Hydrangeas, but can be used for your whole garden. If you want your blue Hydrangea to stay blue and not change colour into pink, you will need other fertilizers. In that case, at the time of planting or during the growing season you should add Hydrangea soil (containing garden peat). This soil makes the ground around the Hydrangea more acid. With this soil and some additional supplements, such as Hydrangea blueing agent, you will be assured of your blue Hydrangea remaining blue. Most certainly when you repeat this annually.
Watering.
Most important when caring for Hydrangea is probably watering. Best is to water the hydrangea regularly, it will be at its prettiest and grow at its best. If you do forget and skip a turn of watering, the leaves may sag. In that case you will need to water the plant promptly, it will recover swiftly. The flowers however may show some brown discoloring.