Hardy hydrangeas give punch of colour

Margaret Griffin

Every year around this time we are asked all about hydrangeas so here is some of my top tips to growing these beauties.

Not many garden shrubs can provide the punch of summer colour that hydrangeas do year after year. Mostly easy to grow, hydrangeas can be abused and still reward the gardener with lush foliage and showy flowers. Think of them as workhorses with a strong desire to please.

Hydrangeas thrive in a moist, but well-drained soil, in a cool, semi-shady part of the garden. Try to avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds may damage young spring growth, and avoid dry, sunny spots. We had a late frost this year, that did do some damage to hydrangea that was east facing.

The type of compost you use is determined by the type of hydrangea you have. Mop head hydrangeas and lacecap hydrangeas will flower blue if grown in acidic soil and pink if grown in an alkaline soil.

So a general rule of thumb is if you have blue hydrangeas, you need a good quality ericaceous (acid) compost to keep them blue and if you have pink hydrangeas you need Multipurpose John Innes Compost.

Most other types of hydrangeas will be fine with Multi Purpose John Innes Compost. Always check what type of hydrangeas you have and confirm which type of soil they need. As always when planting, add a slow release feed when planting.

Can hydrangeas grow in pots?

The answer to this is yes but there are a few steps that need to be done to ensure you get a fantastic show of flowers and provides years of enjoyment. All hydrangeas grown in pots will need regular watering to ensure they do not dry out. The reason most hydrangeas die is from a shortage of water.

Hydrangea Wedding Gown is a lacecap hydrangea that will have you thinking of weddings! It is a fully double pure white bloom that gives the appearance of snow falling when blooms fall. It is a hardy hydrangea and will bloom continuously throughout the season.

Hydrangea Romance Pink features spectacular, starry, double flowers in two shades of pink. This new hydrangea looks stunning in summer when laden with its lacecap-like flower clusters. A relatively compact shrub, it is ideal for borders or larger patio pots and can even be used to form an informal hedge.

Hydrangea Koria is a sweet compact lacecap hydrangea, I love it when it blooms.

Flattened clusters of large fringed white blossoms surrounding small pink or blue little buds and the colour of the buds depends on your soil.

Hydrangea plants from the Royalty Collection are one of the most eye-catching specimens you can purchase.

This collection is filled with tried and tested varieties that produce large vibrant flowers that have a long season and are hardy varieties.

If you would like any advice about your garden, contact me on info@griffinsgardencentre.ie or 021-7334286.

We are delighted to see all our customers following the HSE guidelines by maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks and shields.

Thank you from Granny Griffin and all the team. Griffins Garden Centre and Restaurant is open Monday to Saturday.