3x Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea 3x Hydrangea - Mix 'Doppio Pleasure' pink-purple-white Pink-Purple-White

Make sure that the root ball of the hydrangea is moist by placing it in a bucket full of lukewarm water prior to planting. Prepare a large hole and loosen the soil. Plant the roots at the right depth in the hole, the top of the root ball should be just slightly below ground level. Fill the hole with soil and press firmly, immediately water your hydrangea after planting. This plant also grows well in a large flower pot or planter. Make sure you have holes in the base to allow for adequate drainage. The hydrangea prefers moist soil Hydrangea macrophylla grows best in fairly moist, humus-rich soil. Improve your garden soil by adding compost. Place this plant in a shady or semi-shady area. It is also possible to place it in complete sunshine, as long as you keep the soil moist. Is your Hydrangea in a pot? If so make sure that it has adequate drainage.

Water your Hydrangea macrophylla regularly during dry periods as they are not tolerant of dry soil. Add plant feed to the water on a monthly basis between March and July for extra profuse flowering. In early spring the hydrangeas will benefit from a mix of granulated cow manure. Pruning hydrangea The flowers of Hydrangea bloom on branches that were formed in the previous year. If you prune during the spring, there will be no flowers that year. Pruning is not absolutely necessary unless the plant becomes too large. If you are pruning, remove approximately 1/3 of all its branches. You will have a year with no flowers, but the flowers will bloom normally during the second year. Completely remove all dead branches and carefully cut the dead flowers in winter, leaving the buds on the upper part of their branches.

Hydrangea macrophylla has large spherical flowers often called 'Mopheads'. Their two-toned petals are extraordinary: flowers are purple, red or pink with a stunning white edge. Hydrangea blooms make terrific dried flowers. Wait until the flowers fade in autumn then cut the stems and put the flowers in a vase with a small amount of water and they will dry out nicely. Gorgeous in dried flower arrangements.