Hydrangeas?

Question

I have a blue mophead, transplanted from a 3 gallon pot into a 5 gallon pot after it bloomed. Lots of new green growth. When is the best time to plant this & what do i do to the soil to keep them blue ?

I live in zone 8, near a lake & the soild is clay & sand, How would i prepare the soil, i already know to mulch well

Answer 1

Hi:
The best time to plant a Hyrdangea is in the fall. If your ground doesn't freeze, you can go ahead and plant it now. Your Hydrangea is deciduous and will die in the winter time.

Acid plays a big role in what color your Hyrdangea will be. I would recommend for you to get your soil tested as this is a sure way to find out how much acid is your soil. You will be able to add acid or add some lime if the soil has too much acid in it.

I will link you to my garden section as it has a page on Hydrangeas. I also will link you to my site map as I have different articles on transplanting shrubs, preparing the soil, and watering techniques.

Good luck to you and if you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me at the website. Hope this has helped some and have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Garden.html

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html

Answer 2

The "Blue" type Hydrangeas are usually in the species macrophylla or serrata. These two species are border-line hardy in my area, but in other USDA hardiness zones, would be quite hardy. Not knowing where you live or which zone you live in, makes answering the question very difficult.

If you live in USDA hardiness zones 5 or 6, I'd probably try to winter it over in it's pot, in an unheated garage or porch. Be sure to water it occasionally. Don't try to grow it as a houseplant, allow it to be dormant.

If you live somewhere warmer, fall or early winter is an okay time to plant it into the garden. Again keep it watered until the ground freezes, if it does.

You need to keep the soil acidic to keep the flowers blue. Start by having a soil pH test done, or doing a homeowner test yourself. If your soil is acidic, you'll have to do very little, if it's alkaline or neutral, then you'll have to work. I'd recommend Aluminum Sulphate to keep the flowers blue, soil sulpher or iron supplements may do it, but I prefer Aluminum.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 3

I agree wait until spring to plant it because right now is the time to dead head and prune it. I use Epsom salts like 1/2 cup around the base of the plant to keep it blue, or you can buy an acid based fertilizer. I'm in zone 9

Answer 4

wonderful site here will answer just about all your questions on hydras...

www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com

scroll down the page... on the left is links to lots of info.... stuff about color change is there, as well as planting and fertilzing tips..... look at the mophead link for some great pictures and info, too... and don't miss the FAQ's!!.... this site owner is a cyber-pal of mine.... if you don't find info that you need or just have a great picture you'd like to share online, email her....she's happy to help.......

Answer 5

you don`t say where you are if cold keep in pot till spring .if warm plant now.acid soil for blue flowers .old tea bags round base of plant works.