Q. My kids sent me a hydrangea for the holidays. I know I have to keep it as a houseplant. When I lived in New York, mine were huge
outdoors. What do I need to do keep them alive and thriving?
A. Hydrangeas are not meant for planting in our climate
and soils. Hydrangeas given as gifts are like poinsettias; intended to be grown
in greenhouses for a one-time gift event. But what the heck, give it a shot!
There are some varieties of
hydrangeas that are more suitable for growing outdoors than others. Western
Sunset Garden Book has recommended varieties you can try. If you are lucky
enough to have gotten one of these varieties as a gift then you may have a
fighting chance of keeping it alive.
They need a bright location on
the north or east side with filtered light. Add compost to the soil at the time
of planting. The plants need an organic surface mulch that decomposes,
enriching the soil, such as wood chips. It should be fertilized with an acid
fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks.
If you want to go whole hog on
this plant then get some aluminum sulfate and apply it to the soil when you
plant and in early spring. Aluminum sulfate does a better job acidifying the
soil than sulfur. Acidifying the soil helps keep the flowers of vibrant blue
color.
You are fighting an uphill
battle on this one but if you really want it to work you must spend time and
money on this plant with soil preparation, mulch and specialized fertilizers
such as aluminum sulfate.
Otherwise, I would not bother
and enjoy it for what it was intended; a gift on a special occasion from loved
ones.
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