Hydrangea plant growing and care advice

If you are looking for a hardy plant that will brighten up your garden, you should consider hydrangeas. While the hydrangea plant may look delicate, appearances can be deceiving. Even if you are new to gardening and flower growing, a hardy addition like the hydrangea is just what you need to build your confidence. Here are some essential growing tips to keep in mind.

Water

Your hydrangea plant will require a fair amount of water. Especially during the growing season. You should deeply water them three times a week to encourage the roots to grow. The large leaf varieties require even more water than other types but all varieties do best with regular watering. It is best to water these plants in the morning so that they have time to really absorb all that water and nutrients from the soil. It also helps prevent them from wilting on hot days.

Mulching

You can add mulch under the hydrangea plant to keep the soil moist. Over time, mulch breaks down and enriches the soil. You will need to top up the mulch when too much has disintegrated.

Fertilizer

The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the type of hydrangea plant you are growing. Bigleaf varieties should be fed a light fertilizer in March, May and June. Oakleaf and panicle varieties should be fertilized in April and June. Smooth hydrangeas only need to be fertilized once a year, towards the end of winter.

Pest prevention

All plants are susceptible to some type of bug or disease. The first thing you want to do is choose a cultivar with resistant traits. This will ensure that you will have that much less to worry about as the plant grows. Some common problems include bight, wilt, leaf spots and powdery mildew that can appear on the leaves. Aphids, red spider mites and leaf tiers are also common enemies of these plants. Proper care and fast action will ensure that your hydrangeas thrive.

Your hydrangea plant can also be cultivated in a pot if you prefer. Make sure that you choose the right variety for your home and you may want to place it outside or on your balcony when the weather is warm enough.