How to Grow Hydrangea? Detailed Guide to Cultivation, Management and Precautions

The correct name of the hydrangea is hoya, also known as eight immortals flower, purple sun flower, seven changes, foreign hydrangea, and powder ball flower. It originates from the Sichuan area of China and Japan. It is a deciduous shrub of the genus Hydrangea in the family Hydrangeaceae, order Cornales. Its flowers are almost entirely sterile flowers; the so-called “flowers” are merely sepals. China cultivated the eight immortals flower relatively early; hydrangeas were planted in the Jiangnan gardens built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The parks built in the early 20th century also could not do without hydrangea plantings. Modern parks and scenic areas plant them in large swaths to form landscapes. Artificially bred hydrangeas have large flowers and vivid colors, with flower colors including blue, white, purple-red, pink, and peach red. It is a common ornamental flowering shrub.

The Growth Habits of Hydrangea

We must first understand the growth habits of the hydrangea before we can master the cultivation methods for hydrangea in a targeted way. The hydrangea originates from the Yangtze River basin of our country, and by nature likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments. It fears both drought and waterlogging, and is not cold-tolerant; in cold regions the aboveground parts die in winter, and only in the following spring do new shoots sprout again. The hydrangea likes fertile, moist, well-drained light loam, and has relatively strong adaptability. The acidity and alkalinity of the soil have a relatively large influence on the flower color of the hydrangea: in acidic soil it is mostly blue, and in alkaline soil it is mostly red.

Propagation Methods for Hydrangea

Cuttings, division, layering and grafting are commonly used for propagation, with cuttings being the main method. During the plum rain season, select robust young shoots from young mother trees as cuttings; the base of the cutting needs to have a node and be dipped in mud slurry, about 20 cm long, and the lower leaves removed. The suitable temperature for cuttings is 13-18°C. After insertion, shading 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. Division propagation is suitable before sprouting in early spring. Separate the already rooted branches from the mother plant and pot them directly; do not water too much, and maintain them in semi-shade; after new buds sprout, switch to normal care. Layering propagation can be carried out when the buds are swelling; growth occurs after 30 days, and in the following spring cut it off from the mother plant and transplant it with soil, and it can bloom that same year. Generally, air layering is carried out in March-April of spring, roots form in June-July, and it can be cut off and planted separately that same year. For grafting propagation, use seedlings of Viburnum macrocephalum as rootstock, and cleft graft in spring, which easily survives. Transplanting is suitable after leaf fall or before sprouting, and soil must be kept around the roots. The main branches easily produce vigorous water shoots, so after flowering they need proper pruning to shape the tree form.

Cultivation and Management of Hydrangea

The suitable growth temperature for hydrangea 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 extend the viewing period. However, high temperatures make the flowers fade quickly. Hydrangea is a short-day plant; with more than 10 hours of darkness treatment per day, flower buds form in about 45-50 days. Potted hydrangeas commonly use 15-20 cm pots. For potted plants, after sprouting in spring, pay attention to sufficient watering to ensure the leaves do not wilt. During the flowering period in June-July, fertilizer and water must be sufficient, with fertilizer applied once every half month. In ordinary cultivation, avoid direct exposure to the scorching sun; 60%-70% shading is most ideal. When sunlight is too strong in midsummer, appropriate shading can extend the viewing period. After flowering, remove the flower stems to encourage new branches.

The soil should preferably be loose, fertile and well-drained sandy loam. But flower color is affected by soil acidity and alkalinity: acidic soil produces blue flowers, and alkaline soil produces red flowers. The potting soil 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. Repot once every spring. Prune properly to keep the plant shape graceful.

Potting and Pruning of Hydrangea

Hydrangea propagation is suitable in spring and autumn, but late spring and early summer (late April to July) is best. At this time, the hydrangea flowering period has basically ended in May; after removing spent flowers and withered leaves and pruning, new branches and leaf buds have already grown, and at this point the terminal branch buds can be cut as cuttings. Cuttings can also be taken from late September to October. In early spring, after hydrangea is pruned and terminal buds are taken as cuttings, many new branch leaf buds sprout again; because the weather turns cooler at this time, it is suitable for cutting propagation.

1. In addition to a seedling bed built with bricks, for easier movement and management, a foam box can be used as the seedling bed. First cut several openings in the bottom of the box, then cover the openings with tile pieces, fill in a layer of coarse sand, and then put in the culture soil (3 parts sand, 2 parts sterile mountain soil, mixed well), and level it before inserting cuttings. Cut the cuttings into 10-15 cm sections, remove the lower leaves of the terminal branches, and keep only 2-3 leaves at the top. After cutting, bundle the cuttings and smooth them out. In order for the cutting wounds to heal and take root sooner, soak the smoothed cuttings in a strong rooting agent (about one packet mixed with 0.2 kg of water) for 5-10 minutes before inserting. After inserting, press the soil around the branches firmly with your fingers so that the cuttings and soil are tightly combined. Then water thoroughly once with a watering can; afterward, as long as the bed soil is moist, there is no need to water, but frequently spray mist on the cutting leaves and keep the environment around the seedling bed moist. If hot weather and strong sunlight are encountered, a shade shed must be built for shading. Under such careful management, in about 25 days the wounds begin to heal and new roots grow at the nodes.

2. Potting and cultivation care: After about 25 days of careful management, the hydrangea has survived and begun to grow new leaf buds upward from the terminal buds; at this point it must be divided and potted for management. The culture soil for cultivating hydrangea uses coniferous soil (relatively high in acid) plus bran, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (according to the amount of coniferous soil) compound fertilizer mixed with soil, piled and fully fermented for more than half a year; before use, turn it over and sun-dry it for several days and it can be used. After the seedlings survive and the terminal branches grow to about 10 cm, the first pinching can be carried out to encourage new leaf buds to sprout from the lower part; when the several branch buds that grow later reach a certain length, carry out the second pinching, and let them grow evenly and luxuriantly. When the main trunk branches are thick and strong, leave only 3-4 branches and let them grow freely. From surviving after potting to the period of fixing branches, fertilizer needs to be applied 3-4 times, mainly potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

Pest and Disease Control of Hydrangea

1. The main diseases of hydrangea are wilt disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot disease, controlled by spraying 600 times dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder.

2. Pests include aphids and mirid bugs, which can be killed by spraying 1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

Precautions for Growing Hydrangea

1. Hydrangea is toxic, and accidental ingestion of the stems and leaves of hydrangea can cause colic, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and bloody stool. In people's imagination, hydrangea is as naturally edible as cotton candy and large round bread, but in fact, once hydrangea is eaten, abdominal pain appears within a few hours. Other typical poisoning symptoms also include skin pain, vomiting, weakness and sweating, and there are reports that patients may even experience coma, convulsions and collapse of blood circulation in the body. Fortunately, an antidote for hydrangea poisoning has now been developed. In addition, it should be noted that hydrangea easily causes allergies, and it is generally not recommended to place it in the bedroom. Flower enthusiasts are advised that when planting flowers it is best to suit the individual, choosing flowers you like that are harmless; also do not grow too many flowers indoors, and pay attention to maintaining air circulation.

2. Hydrangea cultivation must pay attention to appropriate watering. After the Beginning of Spring, hydrangea must be given rain, dew and sunlight, and watered morning and evening.

The Flower Language of Hydrangea

1. Hope: The hydrangea, originally from the Mediterranean, has always been famous worldwide as an evergreen tree that blooms in severe winter. In deep winter, suddenly seeing pink flower buds and white flowers seems to tell people that spring is near. Therefore the flower language of hydrangea is ---- hope. People born under the blessing of these full flowers are extremely patient and tolerant. They bring hope to many people, and their own lives are also very rich.

2. Loyalty and eternity: refers to loyalty in love and the eternity of mutual affection. The flower language of blue hydrangea is romance and happiness.

3. Happiness and reunion: The round flowers and beautiful posture of the hydrangea symbolize the inseparable bond with relatives; no matter how long they are apart, they will reunite together again.

How to Grow Hydrangea: Precautions for Hydrangea Cultivation

Hydrangea originates from Japan and the Sichuan area of China. In 1736 it was introduced to the United Kingdom. In Europe, cultivation is relatively common in the Netherlands, Germany and France, and hydrangea varieties in colors such as red, blue and purple can be seen in flower shops. There are also many hydrangeas planted in the ground in small courtyards and in front of buildings. Hydrangea gets its name because the shape of its flowers is relatively similar to the ancient embroidered ball, and hydrangea is very beautiful, with a furry cluster when in bloom. So, how should such a beautiful hydrangea be grown? What should be noted during cultivation? Below, we explain the cultivation methods and precautions for hydrangea, hoping to help everyone.

Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Hydrangea

1. Temperature. The most suitable growth temperature for hydrangea is 18 to 28°C. Its flower bud differentiation temperature must be under conditions of 5 to 7°C. Generally, when the ambient temperature reaches about 20°C, it will bloom. If the ambient temperature can be lowered, its flowering period can also be extended. The winter temperature for hydrangea must not be lower than 5°C.

2. Humidity. Hydrangea likes moisture; indoor humidity can be kept at 50%. It does not like wet soil, otherwise the leaves will rot; in the plum rain season, especially pay attention to soil drainage, and after winter arrives, the potting soil is better kept dry.

3. Soil. Hydrangea likes well-drained, relatively moist, humus-rich, fertile light acidic loam (if cultivated long-term in alkaline soil, the leaves easily turn yellow).

4. Fertilizer and water. Hydrangea likes moisture and fears waterlogging, so watering should not be excessive; keeping the soil moist is preferable. In dry hot summer, water with clear water at 3 p.m. every day or spray the leaf surface once with clear water. In the rainy season, pay attention to drainage to prevent root rot. After winter begins, water again when the soil looks dry. In the peak growth season, apply fertilizer once a week; in dry hot summer, appropriately control fertilization to prevent excessive vegetative growth. In addition to applying an appropriate amount of horse hoof slices at the base of the flower pot as base fertilizer, during the period when flower buds are about to differentiate until before flowering, apply diluted liquid fertilizer once every 10 days.

The Flower Language of Hydrangea

1. Loyalty, referring to loyalty in love and the eternity of mutual affection. Moreover, the round flowers and beautiful posture of the hydrangea symbolize the inseparable bond with relatives; no matter how long they are apart, they will reunite together again, thus implying happiness and reunion. Also, because during the short one-month flowering period, its color produces many changes. And it is not simply changing from red to blue or from blue to green. Therefore, hydrangea also indirectly suggests fickleness and a change of heart.

2. Happiness and reunion. The round flowers and beautiful posture of the hydrangea symbolize the inseparable bond with relatives; no matter how long they are apart, they will reunite together again.

3. Confidence and pride. The purple sun flower is an extremely color-changing flower. Our lives should also be like this: in the short flower season of youth, we should experience as much as possible. Build as many dimensions of life as possible. It is very ordinary, but absolutely not mediocre. It is said to be ordinary because it is not any particularly precious or delicate flower.

The Uses of Hydrangea

1. Hydrangea has a full flower shape, large and beautiful, and its flower color can be red or blue, delighting the eyes and refreshing the mind. It is a common potted ornamental flowering shrub. China cultivated hydrangea relatively early; hydrangeas were planted in the Jiangnan gardens built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The parks built in the early 20th century also could not do without hydrangea plantings. Modern parks and scenic areas plant them in large swaths to form landscapes.

2. Hydrangea is large and beautiful in color, and is a famous ornamental plant in the Yangtze River basin. In gardens it can be placed under sparse tree shade and beside tree-lined paths, or planted in patches on shaded slopes. Because it does not demand much sunlight, it is most suitable for planting in small courtyards with poor sunlight. At building entrances, planting two in opposite positions, planting a row along a building, or planting a clump in a corner of the courtyard are all very ideal. It is even more suitable for planting as a flower hedge or flower border. If the entire flower ball is cut off and placed in a vase indoors, it is also a top-grade decorative item. Hanging the flower ball inside a bed canopy feels even more elegant and interesting.

The above is the explanation of the cultivation methods and precautions for hydrangea. Is everyone clear now? For more home decoration knowledge, please pay attention.

Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Hydrangea, and the Effects and Uses of Hydrangea

Hydrangea is also known as grass hydrangea and shade hydrangea, and is a deciduous subshrub of the family Saxifragaceae. Today we will share the cultivation methods and precautions for hydrangea and the effects and uses of hydrangea.

Cultivation Methods for Hydrangea:

1. Soil: The soil for planting hydrangea is preferably loose, fertile and well-drained sandy loam. But changes in soil pH cause relatively large changes in hydrangea flower color. To deepen the blue color, aluminum sulfate can be applied during the flower bud formation period. To maintain pink, lime can be applied to the soil.

2. Sunlight: Hydrangea is a short-day plant and needs more than 10 hours of darkness treatment per day; flower buds form in about 45-50 days. In ordinary cultivation, avoid direct exposure to the scorching sun; 60%-70% shading is most ideal.

3. Temperature: Hydrangea likes a warm environment, and the suitable growth temperature is 18-28°C, with the winter temperature not lower than 5°C. A temperature of 20°C can promote flowering; after flowers appear, maintaining the temperature at 16°C can extend the viewing period, but high temperatures make the flowers fade quickly.

4. Watering: Hydrangea has thick large leaves and luxuriant branches and foliage, and requires a relatively large amount of water. In the spring, summer and autumn of the growing season, water sufficiently to keep the potting soil often moist. In hot summer weather, water evaporation is large, so not only water but also spray water on the leaves every day. The roots of hydrangea are fleshy roots, so watering must not be excessive, and water accumulation in the pot must be avoided. After September, as the weather turns cooler, gradually reduce the amount of watering.

5. Fertilizing: Hydrangea likes fertilizer. During the growth period, generally apply decomposed diluted cake fertilizer water once every 15 days. To maintain the acidity of the soil, 1%-3% ferrous sulfate can be added to the fertilizer liquid and applied. Frequently watering with alum fertilizer water can make the plant have luxuriant branches and green leaves. Applying 1-2 additional doses of potassium dihydrogen phosphate during the bud stage can make the flowers large and colorful. Applying cake fertilizer should avoid the dog days, so as not to attract pests and diseases and damage the root system.

6. Pests: Hydrangea mainly has wilt disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot disease, controlled by spraying 600 times dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder. Pests include aphids and mirid bugs, which can be killed by spraying 1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

7. Pruning: Hydrangea grows vigorously. To make potted hydrangea have a beautiful crown and bloom more, the plant must be pruned. Generally, after the seedlings survive and grow to 10-15 cm tall, pinch them to encourage the lower axillary buds to sprout.

Precautions for Hydrangea Cultivation:

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

Key watering points: The potting soil for planting 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.

Key pruning points: After hydrangea blooms, pay attention to removing the flower stems to encourage new branches; proper pruning can keep the plant shape graceful.

Potting soil replacement: For potted hydrangea, generally repot and change the soil once every year. Repotting and changing soil is best done in early March. When changing pots, prune the plant's root system, cutting off decayed roots, rotten roots and overly long root hairs. After moving the plant into the new pot, press the soil firmly, then water thoroughly, place it in a shaded place for about 10 days, and then move it outdoors for normal management.

Key propagation points: Hydrangea is commonly propagated by cuttings, division, layering and other methods, and can be carried out during the plum rain season in early spring.

The Effects and Uses of Hydrangea:

1. The Ornamental Effect of Hydrangea

Hydrangea is also called eight immortals flower or purple sun flower, and is a plant of the family Saxifragaceae. Its flower shape is unique, and when fully open it looks like a beautiful embroidered ball. Its flower color is variable, with many kinds such as white, red and blue. It is one of the common potted flowers and has high ornamental value. In addition, hydrangea is also a common plant in parks and garden scenic areas in various places; they mostly exist in patches, and are the most attractive natural scenery in these scenic areas.

2. Hydrangea Can Be Used as Medicine

Hydrangea is a distinctive plant that can be used as medicine. The leaves of this plant have a very good therapeutic effect on human malaria; during treatment, 10 grams of hydrangea leaves can be added to 10 grams of yellow changshan, decocted together with clear water and taken. Hydrangea can also be used for the treatment of human kidney cyst wind; during treatment, seven pink hydrangea flowers can be taken and decocted with clear water, then used to wash the affected area.