Hydrangea Growing Methods, Care Tips, Blooming Season, Flower Meaning and Propagation Guide

Hydrangea, also known as eight immortals flower, purple sun flower, seven changes, foreign hydrangea and powder ball flower, has full, large and beautiful blooms, and its flower color can be red or blue, delighting the eyes and soothing the mind. It is a common potted ornamental flowering shrub. So what are the growing methods and care tips for hydrangea? Let us take a look:

Basic Information About Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a plant in the genus Hydrangea of the family Saxifragaceae, native to the area around Sichuan, China, and Japan. It is a deciduous shrub in the genus Hydrangea (scientific name: Hydrangea) of the family Saxifragaceae. Its flowers are almost entirely sterile flowers; the so-called “flowers” are merely sepals.

China cultivated hydrangea relatively early; hydrangeas were planted in the Jiangnan gardens built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Parks built in the early 20th century also could not do without hydrangea plantings. Modern parks and scenic areas plant them in masses to form landscapes. Artificially bred hydrangeas have large flowers and brilliant colors, with colors including blue, white, purple-red, pink and peach red. It is a common ornamental flowering shrub.

Growing Methods for Hydrangea

1. Soil: Hydrangea likes soil rich in humus, well-drained and slightly acidic. This kind of soil contains organic fertilizer and can benefit the growth of hydrangea. When choosing soil, it is best to choose soil rich in humus.

2. Temperature: First we need to understand the growing temperature of hydrangea. Generally, the suitable growing temperature for hydrangea is 18-28°C, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 5°C. A temperature of 20°C can promote flowering and growth, so we also need to meet the temperature requirements, as this can benefit the growth of hydrangea.

3. Water: Hydrangea grows under conditions of sufficient fertilizer and water, which can make it grow faster. Hydrangea also relatively likes sufficient water, but be careful not to water too much. Generally in summer, under relatively hot weather conditions, you can spray some water on the leaves and the ground, which helps maintain air humidity.

4. Fertilizing: Generally, during the vigorous growth stage of hydrangea, it needs to be given sufficient nutrients. Once every half month, apply a thin solution of decomposed cake fertilizer water, which can promote the growth of hydrangea, make its flowers larger, and benefit its growth.

5. Light: Hydrangea grows relatively slowly in winter, so it needs an appropriate amount of light time in winter. It is recommended to place hydrangea on a balcony and give it an appropriate amount of light time to promote its growth. At the same time, in summer, when sunlight is too strong, it is recommended to place it indoors for cultivation.

6. Pest and disease control: Hydrangea mainly suffers from wilt disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot disease. Spray 600 times dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder for control. Pests include aphids and mirids, which can be killed by spraying 1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

Care Tips for Growing Hydrangea

1. Applying fertilizer: The flowering period of hydrangea is June to July. During the flowering period, fertilizer and water should be sufficient, and fertilizer should be applied once every half month.

2. Watering: The potting soil for growing hydrangea should be kept moist, but watering should not be excessive. 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 easily rot.

3. Timely pruning: After hydrangea blooms, pay attention to removing the flower stems to encourage new branches. Proper pruning can keep the plant shape beautiful.

4. Changing potting soil: Potted hydrangea generally needs to be repotted and have its soil changed once a year. Repotting and changing soil is best done in early March. When changing the pot, prune the plant's root system, cutting off decayed roots, rotten roots and overly long fibrous roots. After the plant is moved into the new pot, press the soil firm, water thoroughly, place it in a shaded place for about 10 days, then move it outdoors for normal management.

[Tip] After hydrangea enters winter, open-ground plants should be earthed up for warmth so they can overwinter safely; potted plants can be placed in a warm place facing south and sheltered from cold winds. In winter, although the leaves fall, the roots and branches remain alive, and when spring arrives they will sprout new leaves.

Propagation Methods for Hydrangea

Propagation points: Hydrangea is commonly propagated by cuttings, division and layering, and this can be done during the plum rain period in early spring.

1. Division: Division propagation is suitable before sprouting in early spring. Separate rooted branches from the mother plant and pot them directly. Do not water too much, and maintain them in partial shade. After new buds sprout, return to normal care. Layering propagation can be carried out when buds begin to swell. Growth can occur after 30 days. Cut from the mother plant in the following spring, transplant with soil, and it can bloom in the same year.

2. Layering: Carry it out when buds begin to swell. Growth can occur after 30 days. Cut from the mother plant in the following spring, transplant with soil, and it can bloom in the same year.

3. Cuttings: Cuttings are the main method. During the plum rain period, select robust young shoots from a young mother tree as cuttings. The base of the cutting needs to have a node and be dipped in mud slurry. The length is about 20 cm, and the lower leaves are removed. The suitable temperature for cuttings is 13-18°C. After cutting, shade is needed and moisture should be kept frequently. Roots develop in about 15 days to 1 month, and after surviving they can be transplanted in the second year.

Pest and disease control: Hydrangea mainly suffers from wilt disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot disease. Spray 600 times dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder for control. Pests include aphids and mirids, which can be killed by spraying 1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

Hydrangea does not like strong sunlight and is a shade-tolerant flowering shrub. It can be grown in pots and placed in halls, studies and other places as an indoor ornamental plant.

When Is the Blooming Season of Hydrangea?

1. Hydrangea blooming time: Hydrangea blooms from May to late July every year.

2. Hydrangea bloom duration: The time from blooming to fading is about 25 days.

Why Does Hydrangea Flower Color Change?

Because the soil or medium used to grow big-leaf hydrangea, as well as the pH of the organic fertilizer or nutrient solution applied, differ, its flowers will produce different colors and change with changes in the pH of the soil or medium. Flower color generally changes from dark to light, that is, gradually from light purple and blue to water red, and even white.

The Flower Meaning of Hydrangea

Gift recipients: friends, colleagues, family

Flower meaning: hope, loyalty, eternity, happiness, reunion.