Gardeners’ World: Monty Don on growing hydrangeas
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Hydrangeas have striking flower heads that come in a range of shapes, from large balls to cones. The most popular and recognisable types are mophead and lacecap, with large, rounded flower heads in shades of white, blue and pink in summer and autumn. When it comes to planting hydrangeas, the best time to plant them is in the springtime, so it has time to grow before summer. Gardening experts at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine where exactly to plant hydrangeas if gardeners decide to grow them in their gardens this spring.
The experts explained how these plants tend to thrive in moist soil conditions.
They said: “Hydrangeas do best in moist, well-drained soil and dappled shade – not too sunny and not too shady.
“Avoid south-facing positions, especially if the soil is very dry.”
The gardening experts suggested that gardeners who have shaded gardens should grow hydrangea petiolaris, a climbing hydrangea, as they love north-facing shaded areas.
Young hydrangeas are prone to frost damage and wind, even during spring.
The experts added: “The young growth is prone to frost damage in spring, so avoid planting in a frost pocket and plant away from strong winds.
Hydrangeas will thrive in most soil types, including alkaline and acidic soil.
However, the pH of the soil will change the colour of the flowers of some varieties.
Some plants that usually offer pink flowers will appear blue if the soil is acidic.
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The gardening experts also explained when the best time to plant these flowers are.
They said: “The best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and moist.”
If gardeners are not able to plant them in spring, it is possible to sow them in summer.
However, for those growing hydrangeas in summer, gardeners will have to keep an eye on the soil conditions to make sure it doesn’t dry out due to the warmer weather.
After knowing where to plant hydrangeas, it is crucial that gardeners know how to plant them.
Hydrangeas like moist soil, so if the soil is light, bulk it up with moisture-retaining organic matter such as well rotted manure or compost before planting.
Gardeners should aim to water the plant well an hour or so before planting it.
Hydrangeas should never be planted deeper than it was in its original pot.
After planting, gardeners should use mulch around the plant soil.
Mulch can consist of leaf mould, well-rotted manure or compost.
What’s more the plant should be kept well watered throughout its first spring and summer.
When planting climbing hydrangeas, train them initially onto galvanised wires.
After a season of growth they’ll make their own way as they have self-clinging roots.
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