Care Sheets & Tips
HYDRANGEAS
|
Blue Hollies
Growing Your Own Asparagus, Rhubard, Strawberries & Raspberries How to Maintain Your Newly Planted Trees And Shrubs Plants To Attract Hummingbirds Water Lilies And Aquatic Gardens
|
|
Smooth Hydrangea is the hardy American native (H. arborescens) including “Annabelle”. Spectacular large white rounded flower heads in late summer in either sun or shade. If unpruned these plants can grow quite large. However, they are usually pruned to about 30 cm in April for fewer but larger flowers. Oakleaf Hydrangea (H. quercifolia) is another native but from further south. Hardy enough for Toronto, it produces large white conical flower heads and displays large leathery leaves that colour red in fall. Panicle Hydrangea (H.paniculata) is of Japanese origin but proven very hardy in Ontario. The popular “Pee Gee” Hydrangea is available in both shrub or tree form. The large white flowers turn pink with age. Spring pruning produces the largest flowers. Big Leaf Hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) can be of two types – lacecap or mophead. For bright blue flowers use peat moss plus aluminum sulphate. For stronger shade of pink or red use horticultural lime. Use a balanced fertilizer (15-30-15) for healthier plants. Leave the spent flowers on the plant over winter as protection for the topmost buds. Mound the plants with soil 6” deep in the fall for winter protection. Cut back to the topmost pair of sprouting buds or to ground level in the spring, if necessary. |
A genus of long-lived flowering shrubs and climbers. They are best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. They grow well in sun or part-shade with adequate moisture.