Tips on cultivation and care

Which species are suitable as a hedge plant?

Even if the somewhat more sensitive farm hydrangeas in France and mild regions of England form dense hedges, you should only plant these species as a hedge in mild regions in Germany. In addition, farm hydrangeas should be cut as little as possible in order not to endanger the abundance of flowers.

Are better suited for hedge planting Panicle hydrangeas, as they get along well with almost all locations. Even on one full sun place this hydrangea does well. Another benefit of the Panicle hydrangea is their cut tolerance. In contrast to other varieties, this one forms hydrangea the flowers on the annual wood and can therefore also be pruned in spring.

Plant the hedge

The best time to plant the hydrangea is in spring, when no more frosts are to be expected. Since the plants have very individual demands on the soil, soil preparation is of crucial importance:

• Dig plant holes at a distance of one meter that should be at least twice as large as the root ball.
• Stones and roots from the Topsoil remove and loosen the bottom of the planting hole well.
• There Hydrangeas are very sensitive to waterlogging, pour a drainage layer of gravel, coarse sand or granules into the pit.
• Mix the soil with deciduous or coniferous compost and pour a thin layer over the drainage.
• Pot the plants and immerse them in a bucket filled with water until no more air rises.
• Place bare-rooted bushes in water for at least 2 hours.
• Place the hydrangea in the planting hole at ground level and fill it with substrate.
• Carefully step on the soil and water the hydrangea well. As a result, even the smallest cavities between the roots are filled with soil and the hydrangea grows quickly.

Care of the hedge

One Hydrangea hedge is very easy to care for and hardly makes any work. Mulching If you dig the soil under the bushes, not only will the weeds be suppressed, but you will also have to water less often.

• Always water generously when the top inches of the soil feel dry. In the summer months this may be necessary every day.
• Fertilized is made with a special hydrangea fertilizer that contains all the nutrients the hydrangea needs. To prevent the foliage from turning yellow due to chlorosis, the fertilizer should contain iron.
• The pruning can be done in late autumn or spring, as the plant blooms on the annual wood.
• In rough areas, a light winter protection is recommended.