How to Grow Hydrangeas – 7 Top Tips for Beautiful Blooms

7 Simple Tips for Growing Beautiful Hydrangeas in Your Garden: A Complete Guide for Beginners” | Hydrangeas are a popular and beautiful addition to any garden. With their big, showy blooms and wide range of colors, they are sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. But how do you grow these gorgeous flowers? Here are some tips on how to grow hydrangeas in your own garden.

This article has 2 parts.

General instructions on how to grow hydrangeas; and
How to root hydrangeas clippings,.

How to grow Hydrangeas – general instructions

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Choose the right location

Hydrangeas prefer partially shaded areas with well-draining soil. Too much sun can cause the leaves to wilt and the flowers to fade, while too much shade can lead to fewer blooms. Look for a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade for the best results.

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Plant at the right time

The best time to plant hydrangeas is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Avoid planting in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, as this can stress the plants and make it harder for them to establish themselves.

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Water regularly

Hydrangeas need consistent moisture to thrive. Water them deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Watering regularly is particularly important for young plants that needs to get established.

However, I have personally observed that you can train your hydrangeas to live on little water.

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Fertilize appropriately

Hydrangeas benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can cause the plants to produce more leaves than flowers.

Household compost is a good addition to the soil under the plant. Animal manure makes a good, balanced fertilizer for hydrangeas in addition.

Avoid store-bought chemical fertilizer as it’s dangerous for your pets, family and environmentl.

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Prune correctly

Hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so it’s important to prune them at the right time. If you prune too early, you may cut off next year’s blooms. If you prune too late, you may cut off the current year’s blooms.

The best time to prune depends on the type of hydrangea you have, so be sure to do your research before you start cutting.

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How to make applesauce or apple cider vinegar

Protect from pests and diseases

Hydrangeas can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, and treat promptly with an appropriate, homemade insecticide or fungicide.

Apple cider vinegar makes a good pesticide, but it has another great side-effect: The vinegar will change the colors of your blooms! Hydrangea flowers will be pink in alkaline soil, but change to blue in acidic soil. Also coffee grounds make the soil more acidic. If you want them pink instead, add baking soda to the soil

Again, avoid adding toxic chemicals to your garden and the world at large.

Enjoy the blooms!

Once your hydrangeas are established, sit back and enjoy the show! These beautiful flowers will continue to bloom year after year with just a little bit of care and attention.

In summary, growing hydrangeas is easy and rewarding as long as you choose the right location, plant at the right time, water and fertilize appropriately, prune correctly, and protect from pests and diseases. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas in your own garden for years to come.

Hydrangeas photos

More photos of gorgeous hydrangeas.

Hope you like coming for a stroll with me through hydrangeas-heaven in Capranica, Italy, and see my glorious photos of this exquisite streetscape. Here are a few more pictures of these romantic flowers. Be sure to click the images to see larger versions.

How to root Hydrangeas clippings – step-by-step instructions

Hydrangeas are a popular and beautiful addition to any garden. With their big, showy blooms and wide range of colors, they are sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. But did you know that you can easily propagate new hydrangeas from cuttings? Here are some tips on how to root hydrangeas in your own garden.

Are you ready to make your own hydrangea-heaven? Well, let’s start with just a few plants. Hydrangeas are easier to grow than you think, from merely rooting a few clippings.

1. Choose the right time

The best time to take hydrangea cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid taking cuttings when the plant is dormant or stressed, as they may not root successfully.

2. Select healthy stems

Choose healthy, disease-free stems for your cuttings. Look for stems that are at least 6 inches long and have several sets of leaves. Pick a branch that did not flower this year.

3. Cut the stems

Using sharp, clean scissors, make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem.

4. Prepare the cuttings

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder, tapping off any excess. That is: Remove all larger foliage from the bottom of the branch, and clip the largest leaves on top in half. Then insert the stem into a container filled with moist potting soil, perlite, or vermiculite. Those are the official instructions but what I did was simpler, stick branch is coarse sand in a pot, and add water. Works excellently!

5. Provide the right environment

Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect and retain moisture. Place the container in a bright, indirect light location, but avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. By covering your hydrangeas clippings with plastic to effectively create mini-greenhouse. It’s optional but useful.

6. Wait patiently (It won’t be long)

It may take several weeks for the cuttings to root and show signs of new growth. Once you see new growth, you can remove the plastic bag and gradually acclimate the new plants to the outside environment.

Where to find hydrangeas clippings?

Everywhere!

I even found some hydrangeas overhanging the beach at Trevignano Romano, on Bracciano Lake, Italy. What a beautiful spot.

Over to you

In summary, rooting hydrangeas from cuttings is an easy and rewarding way to propagate new plants. Choose the right time, select healthy stems, make clean cuts, prepare the cuttings with rooting hormone powder, provide the right environment, and wait patiently for new growth to appear. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to expand your hydrangea collection and share your love of these beautiful flowers with others.