With the arrival of spring comes the ideal planting time for hydrangeas! If you don't have any of these magnificent shrubs in your garden yet, you have to get one, because they are a real asset to semi-shady locations. What you should pay attention to when buying hydrangeas is explained in this article!
hydrangeas (Hydrangea) are currently on offer at most garden centers and even supermarkets. With so much variety, you can quickly lose track and wonder which plant to take home. We asked the experts and shared what you need to consider when buying hydrangeas and when is the right time to plant the plants in the garden.
Before you buy your new hydrangea for the garden, you should know that there are several different types that differ not only in their flower shape, but also in their location and care requirements. The most well-known of these include the farmer's hydrangea and the panicle hydrangea, although in recent years the plate hydrangea and theSnowball Hydrangea 'Annabelle'have gained popularity in Germany. There are also numerous varieties and hybrids within these species and the diversity is really great. The choice usually depends on climatic conditions and the gardener's personal preferences.
Have you already decided on a particular type or are you still thinking about it? We first give an overview of the different types and their characteristics.
Choose the right species for your own garden
All hydrangeas thrive best in humus-rich and evenly moist soil. Calcareous soils should be avoided as they can lead to chlorosis of the leaves. If your soil is clayey and compacted, you should enrich it with leaf or bark humus before planting hydrangeas.
For a sunny to partially shaded location:
- panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata): Wide flower spikes in different colors and with color change, can grow up to 4 meters tall, heat and drought tolerant, good as a hedge plant, dense growth and lush flowers through targeted pruning
- Oak leaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia): Oak leaf-like foliage, summer flowering with panicles in white and pink, up to 2 meters tall, requires little to no pruning
For semi-shady to shady places:
- Farm hydrangea (H. macrophylla): most popular species in Germany, large flowers, long flowering period from May to October, up to 2 meters tall, necessary to cut back in spring before new growth
- Snowball hydrangea (H. arborescens): huge white flowers, bloom from June to September, up to 2 meters tall, cut back in spring
- Hydrangea (H. serrata): lower growing, up to 120 cm, flat, plate-like flowers in white, pink, red and purple, due to be pruned in early spring
- Assam-Hydrangea (H. sargentiana): for protected locations, velvety leaves, large growth, up to 3.5 meters tall, no major pruning necessary.
Tip: Choose a species that you can offer the optimal location in the garden. The hydrangea bush rewards you with healthy growth and lush flowers.
When to buy hydrangeas?
Although potted hydrangeas are available all year round, it is best to purchase the shrub at the optimal planting time, i.e. just before you plant it in the garden. The reason? For most species such as the plate hydrangea and the farmer's hydrangea, this is exactly spring. Panicle hydrangeas can be planted in both spring and fall.
Recognize healthy plants
When choosing an individual plant, you should examine it carefully. Pay attention to strong shoots and even growth. The young shoots should have green bark and the mature main shoots should be grey-brown and felt-like. Plants with bare spots are not recommended. Be sure to check the shoots, leaves and flowers for injuries, pests and fungal infestation. Also check the soil - if small animals are visible, be sure to choose a different pot to avoid a larger infestation in your own garden.
Also read:The most common diseases of hydrangeas and how to recognize them.
Check the substrate
The substrate of the hydrangea bushes in the pot should be loose and moist. Avoid buying hydrangeas with a substrate that is too dry or wet. If possible, also check the roots by pulling the root ball out of the pot. If the roots look white, fresh and strong, then they are healthy.
When is the right time to plant?
When night frosts are no longer expected, you can plant your hydrangeas in the bed. It is generally recommended to wait until after the Ice Saints. However, due to climate changes, temperatures have risen in recent years and it is now possible to plant earlier. However, if necessary, the young plants should be covered and protected from late frost.
Remember not to plant the hydrangea deeper than in its original pot. The bushes have shallow roots and do not need a hole that is too deep.
After planting, you should water and mulch the shrubs well so that the soil remains moist and the hydrangea can grow well. You can also spread some horn shavings around the plant before mulching. The hydrangea is particularly water-loving, so you should always water it well during its first spring and summer.
Also interesting:What to plant under hydrangeas? The right companion plants that thrive together with hydrangeas!
