Hydrangeas grow in bloom from year to year. Many hobby gardeners never want to be without the exuberant abundance of flowers. This begs the question: How old can hydrangeas live? Read useful information about the life expectancy of hydrangea here.
How old can hydrangeas get?
Hydrangeas can live up to 100 years old or older under optimal conditions, such as a partially shaded location, well-drained, humus-rich and acidic soil. They are perennial, woody plants and survive winters with good care and winter protection.
How old do hydrangeas get?
Hydrangeas canin the right location get very old. Although the magnificent flowering bushes are not native to us, the floral life expectancy is 100 years or longer. Most hydrangea species are native to the forests of East Asia. In their habitats there is a predominantly temperate climate, as is also the case in Central Europe. At this location, hydrangeas also reach a biblical age in this country:
- Partially shaded location, preferably sheltered from the wind.
- Humoser, nutrient-rich garden soil.
- Fresh, moist, permeable, without risk of waterlogging.
- Acidic pH between 4.0 and 6.0.
Are hydrangeas perennial?
All hydrangeas thrive asperennials woody plants. Depending on the species and variety, planted hydrangea have a robust winter hardiness of -20° to -35° Celsius. Hydrangeas are only partially hardy in their first few years and as potted plants and rely on this winter protection for several years of growth:
- Put a sackcloth cover over the hydrangeas in the bed.
- Mulch the root disc thickly with leaves and coniferous twigs.
- Bucket hydrangeas should ideally be placed in a bright, frost-free winter quarters.
- Alternatively, place the pot on wood, cover it with fleece, and cover the shoots with frost protection fleece.
What care promotes a long hydrangea life?
Beyond the optimal location and species-appropriate winter protection, this care makes a significant contribution to a long hydrangea life:
- Water hydrangeas generously withRainwater as soon as the soil dries.
- From the beginning of April to the end of July, fertilize with an acidic fertilizer or leaf compost (no blue grain, no conventional garden compost).
- Do not cut farmer's, velvet and plate hydrangeas, just clean them out and thin them out in the spring.
- Prune viburnum and panicle hydrangeas in fall or late winter.
Tip
Rhododendron and hydrangeas – duo for eternity
Rhododendron and hydrangeas complement each other perfectly in many ways. When the rhododendron flowering season comes to an end, hydrangeas develop their picturesque flowers. Both flowering bushes prefer a partially shaded location in fresh, moist, acidic soil. When it comes to care, the long-lasting ornamental trees also agree. Hobby gardeners are therefore planting rhododendrons and hydrangeas together, which are celebrating their floral golden wedding anniversary after 60 years.
