Sunday, May 3, 2009

Hydrangeas - A Beautiful Addition to Any Garden!

Planting Hydrangeas

The best place for your plant is in an area where it will get mostly sun. If you live in a hot,sunny climate, plant in partial sun. Though the hydrangea is typically a hardy plant,the first two years of growth are crucial. The hydrangea requires a lot of moisture when in the sun. When planting, be sure that you pick a spot that is away from tree roots or other plants,for they will take away from the important nutrients that your hydrangea needs.

After choosing the location, dig a hole that is twice the size of your plant, in width as well as depth. Carefully "tickle" the roots to loosen them.

Place your plant into the hole and hold upright to cover. After covering completely, be sure to water your hydrangea well. This will not only help your plant to grow, but will help the roots establish themselves,and keep the plant from shock. You've done it!

Moisture Control

Hydrangeas require a lot of moisture. There are a few things that I have found very hepful in caring for my own.

First, it is very important to mulch them. This is fairly easy. After laying the mulch down,spread it all around your plant with your hands. Be sure to come in close to your plant. Mine has a gap in the middle that I am sure to fill. Protecting your roots, particularly in the cold months, is very important. Don't forget to buy dye-free mulch! Remember to stay eco-friendly.

In the hot summer months, and while your plant is establishing itself, you may see it drooping a lot, even if you feel like you're drowning it every morning. It is best to install a drip system. You could spend a good chunk of change on this. I use the gramma method- you could try it, it's a lot easier and cost efficient.Take a bottle, such as an old milk jug, and put four tiny holes at the bottom. Sit it in the sink and fill it up with water. Replace the lid tightly, and sit it behind your plant. Don't worry if it looks bad.Soon, those hydrangeas are going to be so big, you won't see it.

In the late fall, some like to wrap their hydrangeas in plastic wrap. This is important in the first couple of years, if you live in the northern part of the U.S.
Hardiness Zones

Depending on the variety of plant you have, hydrangeas usually range between zones 3 to 9.
Use this map to find which zone you fit.

Pruning
This is a subject that is really confusing at start. My advice is to only remove dead blooms. For your mopheads and lace caps, you shouldn't prune. The plant doesn't need it. However, if your plant is growing out of control, or you're getting dead flowers,it can be pruned. Typically, these flowers grow off of "old wood". These are stems from last summer, or last season."New wood" are stems from this season. If you need to scale your plant back, prune the new. Be sure to do this before the end of June. If you are too late,it will result in almost no blooms the following season. It is always best to consult with your local greenhouse.
Colors!!

It is fairly simple to change the colors of your hydrangeas. Mine have gone from blue, to pink and purple on their own! But if you have a particular color in your mind, these tips should help.

Hydrangea colors rely on the acidity levels in your soil. If you want your pink flowers blue, add aluminum. If you want blue to go to pink, take it away.A quick trip to your greenhouse, should do the trick.

Electric Dryer Gas Conversion Ki

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