The hydrangea (or hydrangea) is an essential plant in a small garden because it is a generous plant and easy going ! He offers us a profusion of flowers with nuanced and changing colorations, in summer as in autumn. And its long bloom is just one of its many attractions!
Discover why the hydrangea is an essential plant in a garden , patio or even on a terrace or balcony .
An essential and generous plant!
There are more than 80 species of this essential plant that is the hydrangea ! The range of shapes and colors is really wide.
Hydrangea macrophylla is the classic hydrangea, the most common in our gardens. Its inflorescences are in balls or flat (called “bonnets of lace” or “hats of grandmother”). The balls are made of sterile, single or double flowers. The flat heads are composed of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by a crown of sterile flowers. Its colors offer all the shades of blue and pink, from the lightest to the darkest, without forgetting the white! Red colors are the least durable. In any case, you should know that the shades may change depending on the sun and the acidity of the soil.
And in addition, they make beautiful bouquets , in summer as in winter. If you want to keep them in the bunch all winter, wait for the balls to start drying to pick them. Then place them in a bottom of water and let them finish drying.
The presence and generosity of this essential plant make it can be grown alone or in solid. But it also makes beautiful marriages with perovskia , astilbes , fuchsias or grasses . Hydrangeas are also highlighted by a box hedge. Finally, you can plant alchemilles as a ground cover (for more information on the lady’s mantle, see the article “2 plants without problems” ).
An essential plant and easy to live!
As a general rule, it is better not to buy hydrangeas in full bloom. Often forced into the greenhouse and under infusion of fertilizer, they are more difficult to acclimatize! Plant them in a good, rich , fresh and well-drained soil . Organic fertilizer is always welcome. Acid briar earth is only necessary if you want to obtain bluish colors. For a potted plantation, see large enough and watch for watering and fertilization.
Wait for the month of March and the spring regrowths to prune the faded flowers. They protect young buds! Just after flowering you can, however, remove the oldest branches and the new stems too fragile.
For the pleasure of the eyes, do not hesitate to watch this short video on the hydrangea collection of the Garden of Cadiot in Dordogne. After all this, you will certainly want to invite, if you have not already done so, this essential plant in your little garden!
© Photos: jardineriedeletang.fr -My-Little-Garden – Houzz: Suzman, Leslie-Rohrer – Suzman – Gardenista – Houzz: Westover, Pittstown Design – Gardenista – Houzz: kitchenAmoroso, Amy Renea