Xela's Garden
Mophead Hydrangea [S]
Genus: Hydrangea.
Species: Hydrangea macrophylla.
Planted '? Shenstone front window borders
Bought ?
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs or small trees. They are grown for their beautiful domed or flattened flowers which appear in mid-summer for a month.
The flowers normally consist of a mass of fertile flowers surrounded by infertile flowers which give the hydrangea its large flower heads. Some varieties however have almost all sterile flowers.
Hydrangea arborescens and quercifolia are natives of North America, Hydrangea serratifolia is native to South America. The remainder of hydrangeas are natives East Asia.
Recommended for the amateur and experienced gardener.
Botanical Name: Hydrangea
Common Name : Lacecap, Mop head, Oak leaf
Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree;
summer flowering.
Size: (after 5 years) Varies considerably depending on the variety
Position: Full sun or partial shade depending on variety.
Soil: Light and well-drained
Hardy : Yes but depends on the variety
Flower: Blue, pink or white. midsummer for a month
Foliage: Mid green
Scent: No
Season of Interest: Summer.
Propagate: Greenwood cuttings when flowers are dying or by layering,
Hydrangeas which are either blue or pink are dependant on the level of acid in the soil for their colour. The deepest blue flowers are grown on acid soils whereas the pink flowers come from neutral to alkaline soil.
[Source: /www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/hydrangea-1.asp ]
Photos of this plant
Reminders for this plant
Due over 16 years ago:
Prune
Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads.
Due over 15 years ago:
Prune
Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads.
Due over 14 years ago:
Prune
Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads.
Due over 13 years ago:
Prune
Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads
Take cuttings
Take softwood cuttings mid-spring. Choose healthy growing tips and take the cuttings in the early morning when they will be at their most moist.
Fill a few small pots with potting compost and water well.
1.Use a sharp knife to cut about 10cm (5in) off the end of a shoot. Place the cuttings in a bowl of water if they are not to be used immediately.
2. cut the shoot just below a bud (node) so that it is between 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long. Remove the leaves so that only the top three or four remain. Optionally, dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder.
3.make a hole in the compost about 3cm (1in) long and insert the cutting. Three cuttings can be placed in each pot. Gently firm the compost around cutting.
4. Place pots in propagator on low heat. If no propagator is available, cover pot with plastic bag and secure it to pot with rubber band. Make sure the cuttings are not touching the plastic bag to prevent rot. Place the cutting in a light and airy position with no direct sunlight. Inspect the cutting regularly and remove any debris or cuttings that look unhealthy.
The cuttings should root in about 4 weeks. This will be obvious because they will firm up and begin to grow. When this happens, repot each cutting individually into pots. Repot at a later date if the roots start to appear out of the bottom of the pot. Plant in their final positions in late autumn.
Due over 12 years ago:
Prune
Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads
Due over 11 years ago:
Prune
Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads
Take cuttings
Take softwood cuttings mid-spring. see previous reminders.
