Hydrangea, also called hydrangea, is an ornamental plant that can also be grown indoors. To make this beautiful plant bloom, discover the secrets for this plant to grow and flourish outdoors. Did you know that this flower had a special meaning? One thing is certain: you will understand the message of the one who offers it to you now!
Meaning of Hydrangea in the language of flowers
Hydrangea in the garden – Source: spm
Each flower symbolizes a specific message, and when you have to decide to give one, it’s good to know which one is best suited for the occasion. In the language of flowers, the hydrangea represents the birth of a new love or the return of a partner from the past. It is also worth noting that the meaning of the hydrangea also changes depending on the color chosen.
White, for example, represents the birth of sincere love. To offer a white hydrangea is to tell the other person that we are thinking of them deeply. To convey a message of deep love, despite the capricious nature of the loved one, you should choose the color blue. If you want to translate your fidelity and invite the other to enjoy the joys of love, it is good to opt for a bouquet of pink hydrangeas.
growing hydrangea
Hydrangea – Source: spm
The cultivation of hydrangeas is simple because it does not require any special care. Watering should be regular and abundant , especially in summer. In case you want to witness good growth and abundant flowering, it is recommended to cut dry branches during the period from February to March. By applying these gestures, the hydrangea will become a fertile plant whose flowering takes place in the spring.
To take care of the hydrangea, it is important that the soil is made up of a quarter of garden soil, a quarter of sand, a quarter of soil and the remaining quarter of wood. Remember that this plant prefers moderate exposure to the sun. For this reason, it is recommended to choose a place with a moderate amount of sunlight, protected by a wall and possibly oriented to the North-West.
The only precaution to preserve the plant concerns low temperatures. Indeed, winter can be fatal for the hydrangea which can wilt when low temperatures arrive. For this reason, it is recommended to protect it during the colder months with straw and fabric.
Hydrangea Flower Colors
Potted hydrangea – Source: spm
As mentioned above, Macrophylla hydrangeas can come in different shades . The varied colors depend on the composition of the soil. The pH of the soil and the amount of aluminum present in it are fundamental elements in defining its nuances. Thus, the shades of blue, light blue and purple correspond to an acidic soil, while with a neutral pH, we rather witness the growth of flowers with pink and red pigments.
For white hydrangeas, on the other hand, the situation is different, since their color is not related to the pH of the soil and only retain or change color depending on the light. In low light they can turn greener, while with a bit of sun they can turn red or pink.
Fertilize hydrangeas
The best time to fertilize hydrangeas is in the fall. Only, it is good to keep in mind that around February/March, you will have to use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure good flowering. It is also good to take into consideration the possible iron deficiency of these flowers and to use iron chelates which acts as a preventive treatment which can green the leaves .
Prune the hydrangeas
Prune hydrangeas – Source: spm
Pruning hydrangeas is imperative to ensure good flowering. It should also be taken into account that hydrangeas always bloom on the branch of the previous year. For this reason, a badly cut branch could compromise good flowering.
Do not forget that these flowers should not be touched, so you will have to wait for them to dry out, picking them only around February-March. For pruning it is also good not to go below the buds and start from the base of the flower.
The size of the branches, on the other hand, depends on the age of the plant. If you have a very old hydrangea, the branches will need to be removed from the base about a third of the way up so that the cut exposes the inner part of the bush. To ensure a good size, it is recommended that the shears are sharp and clean to avoid possible infections.
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