Hydrangeas: A

June 30, 2023 Post a Comment

Hydrangeas are some of the most popular flowering shrubs in the world. They are known for their large, showy blooms that can come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white. Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of climates.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of hydrangeas, how to plant and care for them, and how to choose the right hydrangea for your garden. We will also provide some tips on how to extend the blooming season of your hydrangeas.

What are hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are members of the Hydrangeaceae family, which includes over 75 species of flowering plants. The most common type of hydrangea is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), which is native to East Asia. Bigleaf hydrangeas can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, and they produce large, rounded flowerheads that can be up to 12 inches in diameter.

Other popular types of hydrangeas include:

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): This type of hydrangea is native to North America. It has large, lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves, and its flowers are typically white or pink.
Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'): This type of hydrangea is known for its large, white flowerheads. It is a relatively hardy hydrangea that can be grown in a variety of climates.
Peegee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'PeeGee'): This type of hydrangea has upright, conical flowerheads that can grow up to 18 inches long. It is a late-blooming hydrangea that can be grown in a variety of climates.

How to plant hydrangeas

Hydrangeas can be planted in the spring or fall. When planting hydrangeas, it is important to choose a site that receives full sun or partial shade. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is sandy or dry, you may need to add compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

To plant a hydrangea, dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the hydrangea. Place the hydrangea in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently. Water the hydrangea well after planting.

How to care for hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for. They need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. You should also fertilize hydrangeas once a month during the growing season. Hydrangeas prefer acidic soil, so you may need to add lime to your soil if it is alkaline.

How to extend the blooming season of hydrangeas

The color of hydrangea flowers is determined by the acidity of the soil. In acidic soil, hydrangeas will bloom blue. In alkaline soil, hydrangeas will bloom pink. You can change the color of your hydrangeas by adjusting the pH of your soil.

To make your soil more acidic, you can add peat moss, sulfur, or aluminum sulfate to the soil. To make your soil more alkaline, you can add lime or wood ash to the soil.

You can also extend the blooming season of hydrangeas by deadheading spent flowers. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant. This will encourage the plant to produce new flowers.

Conclusion

Hydrangeas are beautiful and easy-to-care-for shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With proper care, hydrangeas can bloom for months on end. If you are looking for a long-lasting and beautiful flowering shrub, hydrangeas are a great option.

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, if you live in an area with deer, you may be worried about your hydrangeas becoming a target for these hungry animals.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to protect your hydrangeas from deer. One option is to plant deer-resistant varieties of hydrangeas. Some of the most deer-resistant hydrangeas include:

Bracted hydrangea (Hydrangea involucrata)
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris)
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Another option is to use deer repellents. There are a variety of deer repellents available, both commercial and homemade. When choosing a deer repellent, it is important to select one that is safe for use around plants and that has been proven to be effective against deer.

If you are still concerned about your hydrangeas being damaged by deer, you can also consider fencing them in. This is a more permanent solution, but it can be effective in keeping deer out of your garden.

For more information about hydrangeas and deer, I recommend visiting . This website has a wealth of information on hydrangea care, including information on deer resistance and deer-proofing techniques.

FAQ of hydrangea and deer

Q: Are hydrangeas deer resistant?

A: No, hydrangeas are not deer resistant. Deer will eat the leaves, flowers, and tender tips of hydrangeas. However, there are some varieties of hydrangeas that are less palatable to deer, such as oakleaf hydrangeas and climbing hydrangeas. You can also try planting your hydrangeas in a location that is difficult for deer to reach, such as near a fence or in a sunny spot.

Q: What can I do to keep deer away from my hydrangeas?

A: There are a few things you can do to keep deer away from your hydrangeas. One option is to plant deer-resistant plants around your hydrangeas. Some good choices include lavender, rosemary, and daffodils. You can also try using a deer repellent spray or fence. If you have a large number of deer in your area, you may need to combine several of these methods to be effective.

Q: What if deer have already eaten my hydrangeas?

A: If deer have already eaten your hydrangeas, don't despair! Hydrangeas are relatively resilient plants and can often recover from minor deer damage. If the damage is more severe, you may need to prune the affected areas of the plant. With proper care, your hydrangeas should be back to their former glory in no time.

Q: What time of year do hydrangeas bloom?

A: The blooming time for hydrangeas varies depending on the variety. Some hydrangeas bloom in the spring, while others bloom in the summer or fall. There are even some varieties that bloom twice a year! If you're not sure when your hydrangeas will bloom, check the label when you purchase them.

Q: Do hydrangeas wilt during the day?

A: Yes, hydrangeas can wilt during the day if they are exposed to high heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. This is because the leaves of hydrangeas lose water through their pores. To prevent wilting, plant your hydrangeas in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. You can also water your hydrangeas regularly, especially during hot weather.