What kind of light do hydrangeas need

One way to guard against the vagaries of mistakenly cutting off buds or losing them to a cold snap is to grow some of the newer reblooming hybrids. These have become staples at home centers since their first introduction, in Some to consider are 'Endless Summer,' a blue mophead, and 'Twist and Shout,' a pink to blue lacecap go to Endless Summer Collection for stores.

These hybrids bloom throughout the summer on both the current and past year's growth, so they will produce blooms on the new growth even if the old growth is nipped in the bud by cold temperatures. Shown: The big blue 'Endless Summer' hybrid mophead shown reblooms all season.

Hydrangeas respond well to several propagation techniques, including layering and dividing. But Dirr's method for rooting softwood cuttings in summer will yield a bunch of new plants in about four weeks. To do it, locate a stem of softwood between the hard, woody growth at the bottom of the plant and the fleshy green tip by bending it; softwood should snap cleanly. Cut a softwood shoot that has several leaves. Trim it into 5-inch-long pieces that each have a leaf toward the top.

Remove extra leaves; Dirr goes a step further and cuts the remaining leaf in half to minimize evaporation and the need for watering. Dip the other end in powdered rooting hormone; plant the cuttings in trays filled with a soilless mix and perlite. Cover with a plastic bag, and stash in a shady location, misting regularly to keep the leaf hydrated. After four weeks, tug on it to check for roots; once roots are developed, transplant to a bigger pot and feed with a slow-release fertilizer.

By next spring, cuttings will be ready to go in the ground. Mopheads are the hydrangeas to grow if you want bold colour. The blooms last for months, finally ageing to muted tones before drying to brown over the winter. Large, white mophead flowers, near-black stems and rich green leaves give this plant a dramatic look.

Lacecap varieties are more delicate than mopheads and are generally very hardy. The ray florets range from palest pink through lilac to icy blue. It offers vibrant autumn leaf colour, too. As well as pink or blue florets around flat clusters of tiny blue flowers, this lacecap hydrangea offers fiery autumn foliage.

Hydrangea paniculata varieties have large, conical flowerheads that start of white or green, then become clear white, then pink or even red.

Hydrangea aborescens varieties have huge domed flowerheads in white or pink. Hydrangea quercifolia varieties have large, oak-shaped leaves that turn fiery shades in autumn. In addition to large conical heads of double ray florets, the leaves turn fiery shades in autumn. Browse the fantastic range of fully mature hardy perennials, shrubs, ferns, grasses and bulbs to create a spectacular garden to enjoy all year round.

Use code: GW Kick start the festive season and get in touch with your creative side with our minute online class on creating Christmas wreaths with natural materials. The perfect seasonal addition to your garden, these low-maintenance expertly trained evergreen trees can be enjoyed for years to come. Home How to Grow plants How to grow hydrangeas. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.

How to grow hydrangeas — pruning in spring. How to grow hydrangeas — hydrangea cuttings. Subscribe now. Buy now for spring flowers. Hurry - limited time only. Ends in: 2 days. Plus, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas. To learn more about hydrangeas visit our total guide to growing hydrangeas.

Pinky Winky Hydrangea — As fun to say as it is to look it. The Pinky Winky is everything ombre was meant to be. Its two-tone flowers come back every year and thrive in urban gardens. Blooms: Mid-summer-first frost. Limelight Hydrangea — As refreshing as a lime in summertime! In hot climates, hydrangeas may stop blooming in the heat of summer, but will rebloom in the fall. All that is required is the occasional removal of dead wood. Deadheading hydrangeas will keep your plants blooming into fall.

Leave those early fall blooms in place to fade on their own. Hydrangeas are unique in that you can control their color. But keep in mind, not all hydrangea types are capable of color adjustments.

Bigleaf hydrangeas, H. A low soil pH allows hydrangeas to absorb aluminum, which turns the flowers a beautiful blue color. To increase blue hydrangea flowers, lower your soil pH by adding sulfur or peat moss to the soil. You can also add additional aluminum sulfate to your soil throughout the growing season. Pink and red flowers shine when you add ground limestone to increase the pH. A soil pH test can help you accurately adjust your hydrangea color.

Avoid pH levels above 7. Hydrangeas like dappled or occasional shade, but they will not bloom in heavy shade. The further north your garden is located, the more sunlight your hydrangeas need. An average rule of thumb is six hours of sunlight per day. However, hydrangeas growing in the south can perform on only three hours of sunlight. Partial shade in the later parts of the day is ideal for these beauties. Even if you lack the space in your garden to grow hydrangeas, knowing how to grow hydrangea in a pot means you can still enjoy these beautiful blooms.

The process is relatively simple, as long as you follow the basics of hydrangea care. Choose a large enough pot for the mature size of your specific hydrangea — at least 18 inches in diameter.

Look for non-porous containers to help hold the consistent moisture level require by hydrangeas. Drainage holes will allow excess water to drain properly. Regular watering in the mornings can help prevent wilting. A thick layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep soil cool. Nozzles with Swivel Connect. The swivel allows the nozzles to pivot without. As winter marches on, avid gardeners become more and more eager to get growing.

While you may not be able to dig your spade into the soil just yet, there is plenty. Design a Beautiful Drought Resistant Yard. Learn everything you need to know about drought tolerant landscaping, including the best type of plants,.