Hydrangea Care Methods and the Best Time to Divide Plants Explained

The hydrangea has a dignified appearance, and its flower colors are full of variation, sometimes bright and vivid, sometimes clear and elegant. It is also commonly known as the eight-immortal flower and foreign hydrangea. Its ornamental flowering period is long, and it likes a semi-shaded environment, so it can even be grown on a north-facing balcony. So specifically, how do you grow hydrangeas? When is the best time to divide them?

Time to Divide Hydrangeas

The best time to divide hydrangeas is before budding in early spring. Separate rooted branches from the mother plant, pot them directly, do not water too much, and care for them in a semi-shaded place. After new buds sprout, switch to normal care. In addition, hydrangeas can also be propagated by cuttings and layering:

Layering:

Carry this out when the buds begin to swell. Growth can occur after 30 days. In the spring of the following year, cut it off from the mother plant, transplant it with soil, and it can bloom that same year.

Cuttings:

Carry this out during the plum rain season. Cut off the tender tip shoots, about 20 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and the suitable temperature for rooting cuttings is 13-18°C. Roots form 15 days after inserting the cuttings.

Key Points for Hydrangea Care

1. Soil

For growing hydrangeas, a loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam is best. However, flower color is affected by soil acidity and alkalinity: in acidic soil the flowers are blue, and in alkaline soil they are red.

2. Watering

The potting soil for growing hydrangeas should be kept moist, but do not water too much. Especially in the rainy season, pay attention to drainage to prevent root rot caused by waterlogging. In winter, indoor potted plants are better kept slightly dry. If too moist, the leaves rot easily.

3. Light

The hydrangea is a short-day plant. During normal cultivation, avoid direct scorching sunlight, and 60%-70% shade is ideal. When summer light is too strong, appropriate shading can prolong the ornamental flowering period.

4. Temperature

The suitable growing temperature for hydrangeas is 18-28°C, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 5°C. Flower bud differentiation requires 6-8 weeks at 5-7°C. A temperature of 20°C can promote flowering. After flowers appear, maintaining 16°C can prolong the ornamental flowering period. Note that high temperatures make the flowers fade faster.

5. Fertilizing

The flowering period of hydrangeas is June-July. During the flowering period, fertilizer and water should be sufficient, with fertilizing once every half month.

6. Pruning

After hydrangeas bloom, pay attention to removing the flower stems to encourage new branches. Proper pruning can keep the plant shape graceful.

7. Repotting and Changing Soil

For potted hydrangeas, generally repot and change the soil once a year. Repotting and changing soil in early March is preferable. For the new soil, mix 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil, and 2 parts sand, then add an appropriate amount of decomposed cake fertilizer as a base fertilizer. When changing, prune the plant's root system, cutting off rotten roots, decayed roots, and overly long root fibers. After moving the plant into the new pot, firm the soil, water thoroughly, place it in a shaded place for about 10 days, then move it outdoors for normal management.

8. Pests and Diseases

Hydrangeas mainly suffer from wilt disease, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Spray 600 times diluted 65% zineb wettable powder for control. Pests include aphids and mirid bugs, which can be killed by spraying 1500 times diluted 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

Tips:

There are points to note in hydrangea care in all four seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter:

Spring: For potted plants, prune dead branches and repot with fresh soil. After the plant has adjusted, apply one or two dilute liquid fertilizers mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer, which can promote the sprouting of branches and leaves.

Summer and Autumn: They should be placed in a semi-shaded place or under a shade frame to prevent direct scorching sunlight and avoid leaves turning yellow and scorched. Apply one or two additional fertilizations before and after flowering to encourage green leaves and abundant flowers. After the flowers fade, promptly trim off the flower stems to keep the shape attractive. Keep the potting soil constantly moist, but prevent water accumulation after rain, to prevent the hydrangea's fleshy roots from rotting due to excessive water.

Winter: After winter begins, for plants grown in the open ground, mound soil around them to keep them warm so they can overwinter safely; potted plants can be placed in a warm place facing south, sunny, and free from cold wind. In winter, although the dead leaves fall off, the roots and branches remain alive, and new leaves sprout again the following spring.