So far, the more delicate hydrangea has been overshadowed by the more striking farmer's hydrangea - completely unnecessary, because the hydrangea species, which usually blooms in two colors, is in no way inferior to its relatives when it comes to beauty. However, it is much more suitable for cultivation in German gardens, as it is significantly less sensitive to cold and other weather hazards.
How do you properly care for a hydrangea?
When caring for hydrangeas, you should water regularly, ideally fertilize with special hydrangea fertilizer or rhododendron fertilizer, carry out a light topiary in spring and provide protection in winter. For a blue flower color, slightly acidic soil and aluminum fertilizer are necessary.
How often should you water a hydrangea?
Plate hydrangeas, like all hydrangeas, have a high water requirement. On hot summer days and during long dry periods you should water the plant, sometimes two to three times a day.
Which fertilizer is best for the hydrangea?
Of course, special hydrangea fertilizer is best, but rhododendron and azalea fertilizer are also well tolerated by the flowering bushes. In terms of organic fertilizers, the plant benefits primarily from mature mixed compost (which contains coffee grounds), horn shavings and cattle dung.
Can the hydrangea also be grown in a pot?
Since plate hydrangeas don't grow nearly as big and wide as other types of hydrangeas, they are ideal for cultivation in pots.
How do I get my hydrangea to bloom blue?
Not only farmer's hydrangeas can bloom in shades of blue, many varieties of plate hydrangea also take on this beautiful color. However, the blue color only appears under appropriate conditions: the plant must be in slightly acidic soil and must also be regularly fertilized with a special aluminum fertilizer, “hydrangea blue”.
What is the easiest way to propagate the hydrangea?
Plate hydrangeas are very easy to propagate using top cuttings. It is also possible to divide the bush.
Can you cut the hydrangea?
Just like farmer's hydrangeas, plate hydrangeas should not be cut back too much as they bloom on last year's wood. At most, a gentle topiary and removing the old inflorescences makes sense. The bushes should also be rejuvenated every few years.
If so, when is the best time to prune?
If cutting is necessary, use pruning shears in early spring, before budding.
What signs of disease should I pay attention to with the hydrangea?
Hydrangeas are actually quite insensitive to infestation with pests, bacteria, viruses or fungi. However, as soon as the leaves turn yellow, your hydrangea is probably suffering from a nutrient deficiency called chlorosis.
Is the hydrangea hardy?
Basically, plate hydrangeas are considered to be much less sensitive to frost and other winter inconveniences compared to farmer's hydrangeas. Nevertheless, they should be provided with winter protection (e.g. a branch cover).
Tips & Tricks
Planting with hydrangeas also makes more sense from an ecological point of view, as their proportion of fertile flowers is much higher. This means they offer bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects a valuable source of food.