Hydrangea Facts
Hydrangea Facts for the Beginner Gardener
It seems that Grandma really did know what she was talking about in the garden, especially about hydrangea; facts that this plant is dependable and forgiving in addition to being beautiful make the hydrangea more than Grandma’s old time flower.
A flower that has been around for a considerable time, the hydrangea is an extremely hardy plant. Its adaptability and durability in the garden make it a perfect plant for beginner gardeners, who often feel defeated at the loss or unsuccessful cultivation of a plant. It can be considered a magical plant, as well, for the gardener can actually change the color of the blooms of some plants from year to year on the same plant!
Early spring or late fall are the best planting times for the hydrangea; facts that they are easy to grow are evident in the planting instructions. Plant in a partially to mostly shady spot, water and fertilize, and mulch the plant well. After that, the gardener can watch nature do its work as the hydrangea begins to bloom profusely, often beginning in early spring and carrying on valiantly until late fall.
The blossoms of the hydrangea will be one of three different types of flower heads: mophead, with flower clusters forming a sphere; the panacle, flower clusters that form a conical shape; and the lacecap which are clusters that form a flattened disc with immature buds bordering the edges. Choosing a variety may prove to be the most difficult decision; gardenia facts indicate, however, that the most common variety is the mophead, both in use and recognition.
Hydrangea plants produce one of three colors in their blossoms; white, pink and blue. White hydrangea will always be white to creamy white. However, the pink and blue varieties can interchange their colors from pink to blue from year to year. How can this be possible? Well, hydrangea facts of the flowers being affected by the pH balance that is maintained in the soil are the prominent factors in the color change. A pH balance of 6.5 is considered to be balanced. If the pH goes over 6.5, pink flowers will result. Under 6.5 pH level, the blooms will become progressively bluer. The gardener can manipulate these colors with no harm caused to the plant by changing the pH. For a blue flower, simply add ¼ oz. of aluminum sulfate mixed with ¼ oz. of sulphate of iron in one gallon of water. Add the treated water to your hydrangea one time in the fall, and then repeat again with one gallon in the spring before your plant blooms.
Hydrangea facts of it being an easy and beautiful plant to grow are correct; Grandma knew that, which is why we always noted these lovely blooms in her yard. Beginner gardeners will find this plant to be fun and easy to grow, and the hydrangea will become a mainstay in their garden.