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Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas still happen to be the most popular garden plants of the moment. At Rushfields Plant Centre, we offer a large selection of the most vigorous, vibrant and versatile hydrangeas. Whether you’re looking for a dwarf variety or a climber, we have it for you. Hydrangeas are low-maintenance garden plants and are winterhardy. Year after year, you can enjoy its conical-shaped flowers in pink, blue, white or purple. Did you know the colour of hydrangeas was selected by the soil’s pH? Learn everything about hydrangeas and how to take care of them. If you still have questions after reading this blog, visit our garden centre in Poynings, Sussex near Brighton.

When to plant hydrangeas

Fall is the best time to plant hydrangeas. If you happen to be too late with planting hydrangeas, spring is still a good season to start planting. The only rule for planting hydrangeas is that the soil can’t be frozen. Hydrangeas need time to establish a good root system before blooming.

Whether you want to plant your hydrangea directly in the ground or in a container, make sure the frost is over or the threat of frost is still far away.

Where to plant hydrangeas

The best location for hydrangeas is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. If you live in a cool area, hydrangeas will tolerate more sun. Hydrangeas are low-maintenance garden plants. Please follow our step-by-step guide, this will lead you to shiny, frothy flowers during late spring and all summer:

  • Hydrangeas need a large space to reach their mature growth. Choose a wide site if you want your hydrangea to reach its mature height.
  • Hydrangeas thrive in fertile, well-drained and moist soils.
  • Choose a full sun to a partially sunny spot. Hydrangeas love the morning sun, but rather avoid the heat of the afternoon.
  • Hydrangeas love a humid environment-don’t plant hydrangeas under a tree. This causes competition for water and nutrients.
  • Avoid planting in windy spots, this can snap the stems.

How to plant hydrangeas

Planting hydrangeas is very straightforward. Before you start planting, make sure your soil is well prepared. If you want your plant to start off healthy, enrich your soil with up to 15% organic matter and an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer.

  • Dig a hole that is two times wider than the root ball.
  • Hydrangeas don’t like to be planted too deep, stay close to the surface if you plant them.
  • Mix in organic matter and the amended soil.
  • Water well and keep the soil moist during the first weeks.

If you’re planting hydrangeas in a group, space at least 3 ft (30 cm) apart (more, if planting larger varieties) such as hydrangea macrophylla.

Hydrangeas in pots

Hydrangeas are suitable to grow in pots. Because hydrangeas like humid soils, smaller pots are less suitable for hydrangeas. Smaller containers dry out too fast for what hydrangeas prefer. Smaller pots give too little space for the aggressive root system. Choose larger pots or containers, so the hydrangeas root system has enough space and the soil doesn’t dry out too fast.  excellent plants to plant in containers, flower pots or planters. Use a bagged potting mix rather than garden soil. If you don’t have a large garden, place your hydrangeas in the morning sun, so you keep them from drying out too soon.

Here’s how to plant hydrangeas in pots:

  • Choose a pot that is at least two times wider than the nursery pot.
  • Make sure you use a pot with drainage holes.
  • Fill the bottom of the pot with hydro grains and mix the all-purpose potting mix with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Leave about 8 cm of space between the surface of the potting mix and the rim of the pot.
  • Water regularly by filling the pot to the brim with water, letting it drain, and repeating.

Pruning hydrangea

When you should prune your hydrangea, depends on the bloom time. Here’s when and how to prune your beloved garden plants:

  1. If it blooms in late summer and grows on new growth, prune your hydrangea in late winter or early spring, before the shrub actively starts growing.
  2. If blooms in spring or early summer and grows on old wood,  your hydrangea should be pruned right after it has finished flowering. These hydrangeas grow on so called ‘old wood’ and need time to set buds for the next year.

Here’s another helpful tool of when you should prune your hydrangea:

  1. Panicle hydrangea, smooth hydrangea: prune in late winter, before growth begins
  2. Bigleaf hydrangea, mountain hydrangea, oakleaf hydrangea and climbing hydrangea: prune after bloom in summer.

How to prune your hydrangea:

  • Just cut back the dead flowers if you have a hydrangea from group 1.
  • Cut back all the way back to just above a nod if you have a hydrangea from group 2.

Buy Hydrangeas at Rushfields Plant Centre

In our garden centre in Poynings, Sussex, we offer a wide variation of hydrangeas. You can find this famous garden plant in almost any garden. Plant hydrangeas and enjoy several years of vibrant flowers and bright foliage. Hydrangeas are a lovely addition to your landscaping and are very good looking to create height differences. Discover our range and start decorating your garden by planting beautiful hydrangeas.

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