Hydrangea Care TipsHydrangea Care Tips Watering: * For young plants, water from spring to summer when there is no rain for 7-10 days. * Mature plants benefit from watering during droughts. * Use mulch to retain moisture. Fertilizing: * Fertilize after planting with a basic fertilizer. * Routine feeding is not necessary for adult plants. * Overfeeding can lead to excessive leafy growth and reduced flower buds. Pruning: * Mopheads and lacecaps should be pruned lightly in mid-spring to promote new blooms. * Pruning time depends on the variety of hydrangea. Additional Tips: * Check moisture levels of potted plants regularly and avoid dryness. * Move pots to a shadier spot in summer to reduce drying out. * Mulching helps retain moisture and improve soil conditions. * Shrubs struggling in sandy soils may need a general-purpose fertilizer.
There are a number of hydrangea species that all like similar growing conditions, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Hydrangeas are hardy and adaptable, and can survive a wide range of conditions. However, when caring for a newly purchased plant, it is advisable to follow the care label.
For young, recently established plants, the RHS advises watering from spring to summer during the first growing season, if there has been no rain for seven to ten days. Even mature plants will appreciate watering during periods of drought, along with mulch to retain moisture.
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The experts said: “Regularly check the moisture level of potted plants and ensure they do not dry out. Move pots to a shadier spot in summer to reduce drying out.”
After planting, hydrangeas should be fed with a basic fertilizer such as Vitax Q4, Growmore or fish, blood and bone. But routine feeding of adult plants does not need to be practiced, the specialists say, reports the Express.
In reality, overfeeding can lead to “soft, leafy growth,” which makes plants “decreased in the development of flower buds.” Overfeeding can also increase hydrangeas’ susceptibility to frost damage, which can be fatal to the plant.
The experts added: “Shrubs that struggle to grow in lighter, sandy soils may benefit from a general-purpose fertilizer in the spring. Drought stress can also cause this problem, so mulching may be more helpful.”
Another way to keep hydrangeas thriving year after year is to prune them, but when to do this depends on the variety you have. Mopheads and lacecaps can be pruned lightly but regularly in mid-spring to encourage new blooms.
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