did you know?

The name hydrangea is derived from two Greek words: meaning "water," and meaning "vessel." The vase-shaped seedpods of hydrangea resemble water vessels, hence the name.

general maintenance:

In early spring, deadhead last year's flowers, taking care not to damage the emerging, swollen, green buds, and remove any dead branches or, if necessary, old growth, making all cuts at the base of the plant.

pests/diseases:

Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and honey fungus may occur.

controls:

Hose off aphids and whiteflies regularly with a strong jet of water and spray horticultural oil. For honey fungus, remove and destroy diseased plants. To control scale insects, spray horticultural oil.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants, rooted softwood cuttings, or fall divisions. Plant in spring or fall; choose a partly shady site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at same depth they were in their pots, spacing at distance equal to plants' mature spread. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil all season. In dry periods, hydrangea leaves become distinctly wilted; water immediately when this happens. In spring and after flowering, feed with a balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

With many hydrangeas, flower color is often determined by the soil pH: To encourage blue flowers, amend the soil with sulfur, peat, potash, or sulfate before planting; to encourage pink flowers, add lime to soil according to package instructions.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deciduous
• Disease Resistant
• Shade Tolerant
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Indoors
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower
• Everlasting (>)

combine with:

lilacs 'Wine and Roses®' weigela and butterfly bush in the shrub border.