Planting, caring for and pruning hydrangeas

Here you will find out everything you need to know about caring for and cutting hydrangeas in pots and in beds. We also show our expert tips for choosing a variety.

The genus of hydrangeas (Hydrangea) comprises over 70 different species, most of which originally come from East Asian areas. All species are woody plants that can grow in different ways - for example as a shrub or they conquer lofty heights by climbing. Here you can find out everything about hydrangeas.

The flowers of the hydrangea are usually arranged in panicles or umbel-like inflorescences. The obvious, larger flowers, which make up the actual ornamental value, are only so-called pseudo-flowers. The actual flowers, which contribute to seed development, are hidden inside the inflorescence and are not visible at first glance. In the following we want to take a closer look at the hydrangea and present everything you need to know, from the choice of variety to planting and caring for the hydrangea.

Hydrangea species and varieties

All relevant species are deciduous shrubs, which means that they are leafy in summer and shed their leaves in winter. The star among the hydrangeas is the species originally from Japan Hydrangea macrophylla – also better than peasant hydrangea famous. Their characteristic inflorescences are either spherical, but can also be flat like a plate and less heavily studded with the large ornamental flowers. In addition to the peasant hydrangea is also the panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) and snowball hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescents) very popular. If you not only want beautiful flowers, but also want special foliage, go to the Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) precisely. In addition to the so-called velvet hydrangea (Hydrangea sargentiana), whose name comes from its soft leaves, also exist Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea petiolaris) and Japanese tea hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata).

In this article, we present you with different types of the species mentioned Hydrangea varieties at a glance in front.

plant hydrangeas

Below you will find out which location and soil conditions the hydrangea needs. We also show the differences between planting hydrangeas in pots and beds.

Plant hydrangeas in the bed

As far as the soil in which the hydrangea is to take root is concerned, it has to meet somewhat specific requirements. If the pH is between 4 and 5, it is optimal. If the hydrangeas are to shine in a strong blue or purple, the pH value of the soil can generally be slightly lower than for pink, red or white hydrangea varieties. If the pH value is slightly more alkaline, this does not have any life-threatening effects on the Growth of the hydrangea, but there may be symptoms of deficiency or not the desired color formation to lead. In addition to the right pH value, hydrangeas also need an adequate water supply, otherwise dry damage can quickly occur. Therefore, it is beneficial to choose a site where the soil has good water retention abilities. However, the subsoil must not tend to become waterlogged, as this could quickly lead to root rot and the hydrangea dying off.

Once the right location has been found, you should first think through how to proceed. In soils with too high a pH value, it may be advisable to dig a slightly larger hole. This leaves room for some substrate with a suitable pH value, such as rhododendron earth. Before and after planting, the hydrangea should be well watered. The soil around the planting can be loosened a little to make it easier for the hydrangea to take root. Under no circumstances should the loosened soil around the hydrangea be compacted with vigorous kicks to help it hold on to the ground.

Plant hydrangeas in pots

With regard to the location requirements, it makes no difference whether the hydrangea is planted in a container or in the bed. Especially in the pot, she is happy when her wish for a semi-shady location can be fulfilled. Because when cultured in a pot, the hydrangea has to be watered more often than is the case in the bed. Therefore, the planter should not be selected too small. Here, too, it is advisable to use rhododendron soil for planting. For an optimal water supply right from the start, the hydrangea can be immersed in a bucket filled with water before planting. The plant is kept completely under water until no more air bubbles rise. After planting, you should water the hydrangea well again so that the loosened substrate settles and the roots have access to water and nutrients.

More information about Planting Hydrangeas can be found in our special article.

Hydrangeas on the balcony

If you have planted your hydrangea in a pot, you can also place the decorative plant on the balcony. Since hydrangeas prefer shady locations, an east, west or north-facing balcony is the right choice. If you want to keep your hydrangea on a south-facing balcony, you should shade it from the midday sun and make sure it has an adequate water supply.

care for hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are reliable flowering classics in the garden - but only with the right care. From watering to fertilizing to cutting, you will learn everything about the correct handling of the beautiful hydrangeas. General tips on the right Hydrangea care can also be found here in our special article.

watering hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are thirsty and need regular watering. Especially in hot summer temperatures, hydrangeas in pots may need to be watered several times a day. Hydrangeas that are planted in the bed can and should groan from a lack of water be watered regularly to prevent unwanted dry damage such as dried leaves and flowers avoid. More information about watering hydrangeas can be found in our special article.

Fertilize hydrangeas

Any type of hydrangea can develop into a healthy and vigorously flowering beauty with the right fertilization. In addition, the popular farmer's hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) laid the foundation for the flower color. This is mainly influenced by soil pH and to a lesser extent by fertilization.

When planting the hydrangea, an organic long-term fertilizer should be incorporated. The slowly released nutrients and the activation of the soil life are a good basis for the establishment of the new planting at the new location. By the way, hydrangeas are planted either in spring (March - May) or in autumn (October - November). Established hydrangeas are fertilized outdoors once a year, in pots twice a year because of the smaller substrate volume. Ours is also such an organic long-term fertilizer Plantura organic hydrangea fertilizer. It is based on animal-free raw materials from the food, beverage and animal feed industries as well as minerals Components that are also used in organic farming and optimally supplies your hydrangea with all the important ones nutrients.

More information about Fertilizing hydrangeas and detailed instructions can be found in this article on the topic.

What influence substrate and fertilization have on the Hydrangea flower color can have and how to Even turning the flowers blue can, find out here.

pruning hydrangeas

The right cut is essential for magnificent flowers. Hydrangeas can be pruned in either fall or spring. In order to determine the right time, one should first know which hydrangea species it is. Because peasant hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) develop their flowers for the following year already in autumn. So they bloom on the previous year's wood. If you cut back too much here, it can mean the loss of the beautiful flowers. Panicle (Hydrangea paniculata) or viburnum hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescents), on the other hand, bloom on so-called one-year-old wood - that is, they form their flowers in the same year in which they bloom. So these two popular hydrangeas are among the species that can be pruned back without hesitation.

Here you will find all important information about Pruning your hydrangea.

Hydrangeas overwinter

As a rule, one can rely on the fact that all offered in Germany Hydrangea Species are reasonably hardy. In this case, reasonably means that frost damage is unfortunately quite possible and can also affect the flowering. To avoid this, you should note the following:

• When planting, a sheltered spot in semi-shade should be chosen.
• A winter protection made of leaves, a jute bag, fir branches or mulch protects the plant. Above all, always cover the outer shoots that are close to the ground.
• Fertilizing with mineral nitrogen is taboo from mid-July. Organic fertilizers can be used well into August.
• The fertilizer used should have a sufficiently high potassium content, as this is essential for frost resistance.
• Even if the temperatures are rising, you should stay up until the end of the ice saints (11. to 15. May) do not completely remove the winter protection yet. Have the jute sack ready for frosty nights. Of course, it is possible and important to expose the plant in the first warm weeks.
• Potted hydrangeas are protected in the same way as their outdoor relatives. In addition, they should spend the winter in sheltered garden areas. Containers with a diameter of less than 35 centimeters are best overwintered in a shed or garage in a frost-free place (3 - 5 °C).

Additional information about Overwintering hydrangeas can be found in this special article.

multiply hydrangeas

For the vegetative propagation of hydrangeas (Hydrangea) you already need access to a hydrangea plant that you want to propagate. Accordingly, vegetative propagation creates clones of the beloved hydrangea from your own garden. In principle, hydrangeas can be propagated either by division, via sinkers or via cuttings.

Like the methods mentioned for Propagation of Hydrangeas work exactly, you can find out in this article.

Pests and Diseases of Hydrangeas

With good care, hydrangeas are usually not particularly susceptible to diseases and pests. If your hydrangea is nevertheless affected, we will show you what you can do against yellow leaves and mealybugs on hydrangeas.

If your hydrangea's leaves are turning yellow, the cause may be an iron deficiency, also known as chlorosis. Such chlorosis is often found in hydrangeas in particular. This is usually caused by a nutrient deficiency. The missing nutrient in hydrangeas is almost exclusively iron, although there is almost always enough of it in the natural soil. The reason for the deficiency is therefore not a lack of iron in the soil, but that the hydrangea cannot absorb the iron that is present. Like one iron deficiency can be fixed, find out here.

Mealybug (pseudococcidae) are also often called mealybugs and particularly like to sit on our hydrangeas. They are very easy to spot as they are surrounded by a white web that resembles tiny white hairs or lint. Mealybugs attach themselves to the plants and then ingest the plant sap, which can transmit harmful viruses to the plants. By sucking, the affected leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off. If the infestation with mealybugs is very severe, the hydrangeas can even die. As Control Mealybugs on Hydrangeas you can find out here.

Hydrangea bloom time: what to do if the hydrangea doesn't bloom?

If there are no romantic blossoms in the garden, there can be various reasons. Usually the problem lies in the maintenance or the location and can be remedied with little effort. If your hydrangea doesn't bloom, it's worth checking the location and nutrient supply first. A low pH and an adequate supply of nutrients, with an emphasis on nitrogen, potassium and trace elements, are particularly important for beautiful flowers. Fertilizers specially tailored to hydrangeas provide the best care for the plants. However, insufficient or excessive water supply can also be responsible for flowering inhibition.

Other reasons for the lack of flowering can be various care measures, such as incorrect pruning or insufficient frost protection. Most hydrangeas already put on their new buds in autumn and should therefore only be freed from dead wood and old inflorescences during this period. As far as frost is concerned, the late spring frost is particularly dangerous for the flowers. During this time, the bracts are already opening and the flower is inevitably at the mercy of the frost. It is therefore advisable to cover the plants with a fleece at low temperatures. In the event of incorrect pruning or frost damage, the flowers can usually not be saved and you have to be patient for another year to admire the beautiful flowers. More specific tips on hydrangea blossom you'll find here.

drying hydrangeas

The impressive flowers of the hydrangea can be preserved and thus serve as a great decorative element. By drying, the decorative flowers can become a permanent companion in the home - even in months outside of the hydrangea season. It is important that the flowers are harvested in full bloom and before they wither. Keep in mind that the shoot from which you harvest the flower will probably not grow a flower the following year. The lower you cut the shoot, the less likely it will flower next year. Three different tips how you Drying hydrangea flowers can be found in this special article.

Are hydrangeas bee friendly?

As mentioned, the actual flowers of the hydrangea are in the middle of the beautiful pseudo-flowers. In principle, these have a rather moderate supply of pollen and nectar. Unfortunately it is in the case of the numerous hybrid forms and varieties of hydrangea, these are often re-bred, sexless forms that are completely uninteresting for pollinators. This is because breeding focuses on the ornamental foliage rather than the nourishing buds.

We at Plantura recommend the following products for hydrangeas:

• Floragard Endless Summer hydrangea soil pink & white: Special soil for healthy and strong hydrangeas. The clay granules improve air and water circulation.
• Floragard Endless Summer hydrangea soil blue: Special soil for healthy and strong hydrangeas. Aluminum fertilizer keeps the strong, bright blue blooms in the long term. The clay granules improve air and water circulation.
• Floragard compost soil: Special soil made from weed-free premium compost and selected peat qualities. It supplies your plants with all the important nutrients over a long period of time and evenly, and the high humus content makes light and heavy soil fertile.

Are hydrangeas poisonous?

Hydrangeas contain various substances that can cause problems if consumed in excess or if you are allergic to them. These include the glycoside hydrangin, saponins, the iso-coumarin hydrangenol and hydrocyanic acid. With appropriate precautions, however, hydrangeas can still be planted in the garden without any problems. It is important to always keep a watchful eye on children and to explain to them that the colorful flowers are a beautiful decoration, but not edible. Since hydrangeas are also poisonous to animals, an inaccessible location or a fence can also be good precautions.

Nevertheless, the same applies to hydrangeas: the poison is in the dose. Serious poisoning usually occurs only when large quantities are consumed. However, since the flowers and leaves, which have the highest concentration of toxins, taste very bitter, large quantities are usually not consumed. It is different for people or animals who are sensitive or allergic to hydrangeas. In the case of a contact allergy, the immune system reacts excessively and the affected area of ​​skin begins to itch or burn, for example. Typical symptoms of excessive consumption of hydrangeas are dizziness, anxiety, shortness of breath, cramps or circulatory problems. If these symptoms occur, an emergency doctor should be called in any case, but even if the symptoms are mild, it is advisable to see a doctor as a precaution.

More information about Hydrangea toxicity you'll find here.