Hydrangeas are easy-to-grow flowering shrubs, which can be a great addition to home gardens. The flower heads appear in varied colours on the same plant, from bright pink and rose to clear blues, white and lavender. If you are planning to add a burst of vibrant colours to your house, check out this guide on Hydrangea plant care and maintenance.
The word Hydrangea comes from a Greek word that means water vessel, which the seed capsules of the plant resemble. Hydrangea belongs to a class of over 75 species of flowering plants found in Asia and the Americas. The shrubs grow up to 3-9 feet tall. However, some varieties are small trees and lianas.
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What is Hydrangeas plant?
Hydrangeas are a group of over 75 species of flowering plants, most of which are shrubs growing up to three metres in height while others are small trees or vines. These are native to Asia and the Americas an dbelong to the Hydrangeaceae family.
Hydrangea: Quick facts
| Plant name | Hydrangea |
| Common name | Hortensia |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Found in | Asia and Americas |
| Flower | Ball-like flower clusters in white, blue, pink and purple |
| Flowering season | Spring and summer |
| Benefits | Medicinal benefits |
Hydrangea plant care
Water
The plant requires ample water in the initial years, especially during dry weather. Adequate watering is required to prevent the leaves from wilting. Water the plant at the rate of 1 inch per week in the growing season.
Fertiliser
Rich soil is essential for healthy plant growth. Add a sufficient quantity of fertiliser to promote leaf growth. Use fertiliser based on the needs of hydrangeas varieties.
Pruning
Pruning of Hydrangeas is done in late winter when the plant remains dormant. Pruning for some varieties can be done after flowering.
Soil
Hydrangeas require soil rich in organic material. Avoid soggy and poorly draining soil.
see all about: Swietenia macrophylla
How to grow Hydrangea from cuttings?
Hydrangeas can be grown in containers or group plantings and shrub borders in the garden. Hydrangeas root readily and can grow easily from cuttings. Take a fresh branch that has not flowered and make a horizontal cut about 5 inches from its tip, leaving at least a few pairs of leaves. Fill up a flowerpot with moistened potting mix and place it.
Here are a few tips to grow Hydrangea from cuttings:
- You can root Hydrangea from softwood cuttings as they root quickly
- Cuttings taken early morning hours have an advantage as plants are fresh and hydrated during this time.
- Select a non-flowering stem with lots of leaves.
- Cut the stems into four to six inches in length using a knife or pruners
- Place these cuttings in shallow, warm water to keep the plant hydrated.
How to plant Hydrangeas?
- Make planting holes in the potting mix, a minimum of two or three inches deep and wide enough to place a Hydrangea plant cutting
- Insert the plant cuttings and cover the stem’s lower half, gently firm the soil around the cutting.
- If there are large leaves, remove the top half of the leaves to reduce moisture loss.
- Cover each cutting’s container using a plastic bag. This will help create a mini greenhouse and preserve humidity.
Also see: How to grow and care for Hydrangea macrophylla?
Hydrangea Benefits
The root and rhizome or underground stem of the plant have traditionally been utilised for preparing herbal medicine for curing urinary problems. Hydrangea contains compounds that may be beneficial in treating many health problems.
Also read about the medicinal uses and benefits of dandelion plant
Hydrangea types
French Hydrangea
Also known as bigleaf hydrangeas, this is a common variety of Hydrangea, known for its large and bright flowers.
Endless Summer Hydrangea
This is a unique variety of bigleaf Hydrangea with large flower heads in blue, purple and pink. These varieties can withstand cold winters.
Mophead Hydrangea
Mophead Hydrangea is a type of bigleaf Hydrangea with large and round blooms.
Lacecap Hydrangea
This variety is known by its scientific name, Hydrangea Macrophylla Normalis, and is identified by its large flowers around smaller buds. They appear as half-bloomed and lacy looks.
Blue Hydrangea
Blue hydrangeas belong to the bigleaf family and appear in blue colours owing to the soil.
Pink Hydrangea
Pink hydrangea varieties come in different shades of pink.
Smooth Hydrangea
This variety is wild hydrangea and thrives well in different climates. Commonly, these are planted as hedges, characterised by a coarser texture. It appears white and matures to a light green colour.
Panicle Hydrangeas
This variety features cone-shaped flower heads. The large blooms start white and may turn pink.
FAQs
Is Hydrangea poisonous?
Hydrangea can be harmful to cats, dogs and horses. If consumed, it can cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.
Do hydrangeas grow well in pots?
Hydrangeas can be grown as potted plants. Choose a pot at least eight centimetres wide and with adequate drainage holes.