by Carole Meisenhelter

Created on: December 15, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2010

Perhaps you've long admired handsome Hydrangeas growing in other people's gardens. Have you ever thought to try them in your very own garden? It's highly possible you can successfully grow beautiful Hydrangeas if you have the ideal all-day filtered sunlight position or, one that gets sunshine for the first half of the day only.

This familiar, hardy and deciduous shrub has a long-lasting display of spectacular, large and showy flower heads, made up of many smaller compact florets. Complimented with largish emerald to dark green, heart-shaped leaves, with striking etched veins and serrated edges.

While there are many varieties of Hydrangea, including dwarf forms, most have the potential to grow almost 5 ft (1.5 m), high and wide. Hydrangeas reward the gardener with a grand exhibition over a long flowering period. When it is getting towards the end of their season, the flower heads will start showing some remarkable changes as they become dappled with a variety of unexpected and impressive hues.

Origins of the Hydrangea:

Hydrangea belongs to the large Saxifragaceae plant family with its origins in North and South America, and Southern and Eastern Asia. The name "Hydrangea" itself, is derived from the Greek words hydor (water), and aggeion (vessel), relating to the shape of the seed capsule after flowering.

Soil Type and Requirements:

Hydrangea shrubs will grow well in a moderate soil with a little slow release type fertilizer in early Spring and again early in the Fall. They need a well-drained, consistent moisture level, and will benefit by a generous layer of mulch to conserve moisture. Hydrangea plants will always demonstrate to you when they're stressed out through lack of water.

Grow Hydrangeas under trees, or other semi-shaded areas away from the midday sun and beyond, or even as large container plants.

Soil type will definitely influence the color of your established Hydrangea flowers how?

1. When there is a higher lime content in the soil it will bring about pink flowers.

2. If your soil is acid then you can be sure your Hydrangea flowers will become blue.

3. Neutral soil brings about cream colors.

Pruning:

Prune Hydrangeas after flowering, and before the cold of winter sets in. This will allow for some new growth which in turn will help protect the tips from frost burn-back if in a colder climate. Cut back (not into old wood), to double buds only i.e. a bud on opposite sides of the stem, since these will be the flowering buds in the following season.

Prunings can be used to create new plants by making each cutting approx 4-6 inch (approx. 10-15 cm) in length, and place these into a light, sandy medium to overwinter with protection from frosts. As the spring approaches there is likely to be signs of new leaves forming, which also indicates roots forming too. When the weather is warmer these cuttings can then be placed into their permanent position to grow on.

Bringing Hydrangea Flowers Indoors:

Pick generous bunches of Hydrangea flowers to bring indoors for up to two weeks of brilliant floral display. Not only while they're at their peak, but towards the end also when their colors start to change so dramatically. They look fabulous in jugs, buckets or heavy pottery containers.

If you've picked mature flower heads, when all the water has been taken up, leave them in the same container to dry out. Your Hydrangea flowers will take on an enchanting vintage look for a longer display in your home through the winter months. Hydrangeas offer so much, for so little.

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