We seem to have developed a mild obsession with Hydrangeas recently…not only for its enormous, striking blooms when they’re in flower but also how they can be beautifully transformed into a permanent interior decoration when dried out. We thought this obsession warranted a little more knowledge, so we asked our friends at the Norfolk Olive Tree Company to give us some tips on caring for Hydrangeas, and this is what we learned…
First discovered in Japan, the name Hydrangea comes from the Greek “hydor” meaning water, and “angos”meaning jar or vessel. Roughly translated it means “water barrel” referring to the species need for plenty of water! The Hydrangea is a beautiful flowering Shrub and will flower from mid to late summer on the previous year’s growth. Mophead and lace cap hydrangeas will bloom with little attention, but regular pruning encourages vigorous growth that will produce a better display. The climbing hydrangea also enjoys an annual prune.
Where shall I plant my Hydrangea?
Hydrangeas do well in moist well-drained soil, in a cooler semi-shady part of the garden. They do not respond well to harsh east-facing sites where cold winds can damage spring growth, best also to avoid drier sunny spots.
Hydrangeas do well in moist well-drained soil, in a cooler semi-shady part of the garden. They do not respond well to harsh east-facing sites where cold winds can damage spring growth, best also to avoid drier sunny spots.
When do I prune my Hydrangea?
Most pruning is carried out in late winter or early spring. However, the climbing hydrangea is pruned after flowering in summer.
Dead blooms on mophead hydrangeas can, in mild areas, be removed just after flowering, but it is best to leave them on the plant over winter to provide frost protection for the tender growth buds below. Remove the dead flower heads in early spring, cutting back the stem to the first strong, healthy pair of buds down from the faded bloom.
Most pruning is carried out in late winter or early spring. However, the climbing hydrangea is pruned after flowering in summer.
Dead blooms on mophead hydrangeas can, in mild areas, be removed just after flowering, but it is best to leave them on the plant over winter to provide frost protection for the tender growth buds below. Remove the dead flower heads in early spring, cutting back the stem to the first strong, healthy pair of buds down from the faded bloom.
Established plants will tolerate hard pruning in spring, but reducing heavily in one session is likely to hamper flowering for the next couple of summers. To avoid this, reduce the size of the plant gradually over a number of years.
What shall I feed my hydrangea?
Use a slow release fertiliser in early spring with a high PH.
Do not over fertilise your hydrangeas as this will cause big green leaves to grow and stunt bloom production.
Use a slow release fertiliser in early spring with a high PH.
Do not over fertilise your hydrangeas as this will cause big green leaves to grow and stunt bloom production.
Watering my hydrangea.
Hydrangeas are slightly fussy about water. Try not to let them dry out.
During droughts or long periods between rainfall, give the roots a good soak with the hose.
Hydrangeas are slightly fussy about water. Try not to let them dry out.
During droughts or long periods between rainfall, give the roots a good soak with the hose.
Drying Hydrangeas
You can enjoy the beautiful shape of hydrangeas all year round if you dry them out. They turn a stunning autumnal shade of golden brown or shades of vintage blue and pink if you catch them at the right time. They look beautiful bunched together in a vase and can create a more permanent focal point in the bedroom, which is ideal if you want the look of flowers but you don’t want any overpowering floral fragrances.
Here are just a few tips if you want to do this at home….
Leave the hydrangea flower until the blooming season is over (around end July beginning of August) around this time they’ll take on a kind of aged, vintage appearance.
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Cut the stems around 30-40cm from the bloom and place in a vase with some fresh water.
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Place in a cool dark place and let the water naturally evaporate.
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When the water is gone, your flower should be dry and ready to display!
Keep us posted on how you get on!
