Hydrangea, also called hydrangea, is an ornamental plant that can also be grown indoors. To make this beautiful plant bloom, discover the secrets to making this plant 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 person who offers it to you from now on!
Meaning of Hydrangea in the language of flowers
Each flower symbolizes a specific message, and when you have to decide whether to give one, it’s good to know which one is best suited to 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 hydrangea also changes depending on the color chosen.
White, for example, represents the birth of sincere love. Giving a white hydrangea tells the other person that we think deeply about them. To convey a message of deep love, despite the capricious nature of your loved one, you should choose the color blue. If you want to express your loyalty and invite the other to enjoy the joys of love, it is good to opt for a bouquet of pink hydrangeas.
Growing Hydrangea
Growing 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 following these steps, the hydrangea will become a fertile plant that flowers in spring.
To care for the hydrangea, it is important that the soil consists 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 rate of sunlight, protected by a wall and possibly oriented to the Northwest.
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
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 quantity of aluminum present in it are fundamental elements in defining its nuances. Thus, the shades of blue, light blue and purple correspond to acidic soil, while with a neutral pH, we rather see 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 linked to the pH of the soil and only maintain or change color depending on the light. In low light they can turn greener, while with some sunlight they can turn red or pink.
Fertilizing Hydrangeas
The best time to fertilize hydrangeas is in autumn. However, it is good to keep in mind that around February/March, you will need 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 use iron chelates which act as a preventive treatment that can turn the leaves green.
Prune Hydrangeas
Pruning hydrangeas is imperative to ensure good flowering. It should also be taken into account that hydrangeas always bloom on the previous year’s branch. For this reason, a poorly cut branch could compromise good flowering.
Remember that these flowers should not be touched and that you will therefore have to wait for them to dry, picking them only around February-March. For pruning, it is also good not to go below the buds and start at 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 reveals the inner part of the bush. To ensure proper pruning, it is recommended that the shears be sharp and clean to avoid possible infections.
