Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:30 pm
Hydrangea, along with rhododendron, boxwood and lilac, is one of the most popular and beautiful garden plants. Most amateur gardeners, when you talk about a hydrangea, mean “Hydragea macrophylla”. It is also called “peasant hydrangea”.
The interesting thing about hydrangeas is that they are winter hardy. So it is possible to leave the farmer hydrangea protected, for example, by brushwood or a fleece over the winter on the balcony, without it dying. However, care should be taken, as a very cold winter will cause frostbite, which will make it difficult to bloom the following year. Hydrangeas can be placed just as well in the garden bed and also thrive here very well. Appropriate protection in severe winters should also be provided in the garden.
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Location and soil
The preferred location for hydrangeas is a solitary position, for example under deciduous trees, in well-drained soil enriched with compost and mulch. Hydrangeas prefer semi-shady locations, so neither full sun nor cool, shady places. Ideal for the perennial are constantly mild temperatures and, in addition, sufficient moisture.
The colors of the flowers – and what the pH value has to do with it
The flower color of the hydrangea can be influenced by the soil conditions. Depending on the pH value, the color changes from blue in acidic soil to pink in alkaline locations. This can be influenced by appropriate fertilizer.
Peasant hydrangeas are available with spherical inflorescence – these are the most common – and with flat, which can also stand in the sun. They bloom in wonderful colors: White, pink, red, purple.
Hydrangea care: regular watering
The plants should be repotted every two years and always kept continuously moist. Hydrangeas need a lot of water – whether in a pot or in the garden, especially in the summer heat.
Pruning hydrangeas
They should be pruned little, because the buds for next year are formed on the annual wood. Remove only withered flowers. In the spring, cut out frostbitten branches and withered flower umbels. Cut back only the withered flowers and leaves. Pruning is best done in early spring, after new shoots appear. It is important not to cut back the old, withered shoots from last year.
Buying hydrangeas
The range of plants is diverse. You can usually get the peasant hydrangea in the regional garden center, more striking varieties such as dwarf hydrangeas, Hobella hydrangeas or special colorful cultivars are available mainly in plant online stores. If in doubt, I would advise robust varieties, such as peasant hydrangeas.