Hydrangea Care & Maintenance

PREPARING FOR PLANTING:

See our GOOD PLANTING GUIDE for guidance on how to properly prepare to plant.

POSITIONING:

• Plant in a part shaded position.
• Protect from hot afternoon sun and wind.
• Mulch around plant to protect the water catchment area.
• Add some compost for extra nutrition.

WATERING:

• Keep soil moist in summer.
• Avoid spraying flowers.
• Water every day when planted in pots.
  
  

Hydrangea Obsidian 'Whhite Knight'- (image courtesy Plants Managemnet Australia)

SOIL & pH:

• Hydrangea colour depends on the variety and type.
• pH of the soil helps keep this colour.
• Blues prefer Acidic soil  - Add Bluing powder twice yearly to help.
• Reds prefer Alkaline soil - Add lime twice a year.
• Whites are not affected by soil type.
  
  

PRUNING:

• Prune after flowering.
• Late summer is best - don't leave to winter.
• Prune the whole plant to maintain the round form.
• Prune Paniculata later to get autumn flowering.
• Fertilise after trimmimg and in spring.
  
  

PEST & DISEASE:

• Hydrangeas are quite hardy and relatively tolerant to pest and disease.
• Watch out for Aphis or Mites, black spot or powdery mildew.
• Treat as required.
  
  

INDOORS:

• Keep pot in a light position out of direct sunlight.
• Water regularly.
• After flowering, cut back and plant in the garden. 
  
  

CUT FLOWERS:

• Hydrangea make stunning cuts flowers.
•  Help to make them last….
   - Fill a container with boiling water.
   - Trim stems.
   - Push flowers through a plastic bag so stems are protruding & flowers are protected in the bag.
   - Sit stems in boiling water for a few hours.
   - Revive flowers in cold water

For more information:

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