Beautiful decorative plants like hydrangeas grow well indoors as well as outdoors. Explore the secrets of growing this exquisite flower and learn the important lessons it conveys.
A Floral Message from Hydrangeas
Every bloom in the field of botany has a unique tale. Thus, giving flowers is a language unto itself. The hydrangea is a symbol of newfound love or the reappearance of a past romance. Your choice of color will further emphasize this point:
White: Denotes sincere, unadulterated affection. Giving a white hydrangea as a gift shows the recipient that you have given it some serious thought.
Blue: This hue conveys a profound love that endures in spite of the beloved’s capriciousness.
Pink: Stands for devotion and an invitation to savor the pleasures of love.
Growing Your Own Hydrangea
Expert gardeners will be happy to hear that hydrangea maintenance is simple. Important reminders consist of:
Watering: Often and copiously, especially in the heat.
Pruning: To promote growth and flowering, cut away any dry branches in February or March each year.
Soil composition: It is best to use an equal mixture of garden soil, sand, earth, and wood.
Choose a location with moderate sunshine that faces north-west and is potentially protected by a wall.
Wintertime temperatures can cause the hydrangea to wilt, therefore it’s imperative to protect it. Straw and cloth together provide excellent protection.
A Hydrangea Hue Rainbow
The variety of hues found in hydrangeas is primarily determined by the makeup of the soil. The pH and aluminum content of the soil determine its color scheme.
Shades of blue, pale blue, and purple are produced by acidic soil.
Pink and crimson blossoms are the outcome of a neutral pH.
The color of white hydrangeas is not affected by the type of soil they grow in. Their color changes depending on the amount of light present; green is the result of less light, while pink or reddish tones are added by sunlight.
Tips for Fertilization
Give your hydrangea a fall fertilizer, but for best blooming, use a slow-release fertilizer in February or March. Use iron chelates as a prophylactic step to counter any iron deficit, which might create pale leaves.
Knowledge of Pruning
Pruning is crucial to producing vibrant blooms. Recall that hydrangeas bloom exclusively on branches that were cultivated the year before. A cut made incorrectly can prevent blossoming. Generally speaking:
When to Prune: In general, February or March is the time to wait until the blossoms have dried.
How to Prune: Cut from the base of the flower, avoiding cutting below the buds. Remove branches up to one-third of the height of older plants from the root.
When pruning, always use sharp, cleaned shears to protect against any illnesses.
After using these tips, you’ll see your hydrangea blossom brightly, reflecting the gentle feelings it represents.