All the hydrangea flowers They are striking in any of their varieties, blue, red, pink or white. This is why these shrubs are so popular to color the garden. They are shrubs that, however, require cool and shady places, and as such grow best on the Cantabrian coast.
Provide an acid substrate to develop and keep the earth moist, avoiding waterlogging, are key for the hydrangea to bloom properly. Does that mean we can't have hydrangeas in the south? Of course not; if they are grown in containers you can enjoy it in the same way.
Hydrangea is a plant of shade or semi-shade that requires an acidic soil, rich in organic matter and humid. High temperatures dehydrate it easily and make its flowering time shorter. All these characteristics make the north of Spain, the most conducive place to cultivate them.
If you look at the images, you will see that most of the bushes are planted next to a wall or facade. One of the reasons for this is found in the semi-shade and humidity requirements of the plant. Another is merely aesthetic. Hydrangeas add color to the wall and it works for them as a container; the hydrangea acquires a great weight and on a wall it finds a place to lean.
For the hydrangea to grow strong, it is advisable to fertilize it with a special fertilizer for acidophilic plants every 15-20 days during spring and summer. In addition, in areas with frost and temperatures below -3 degrees, it will be necessary to protect the stems with dry leaves wrapped in plastic. If it freezes, it can recover but will not flower that summer.
In cold areas, pruning should be done in late winter; if we do it before, after the last flower wilts, it will be unprotected against frost. It is recommended: shorten the branches that bloomed by a third; cut old branches a few centimeters from the base and remove weak or malformed branches towards the interior of the plant.
With hydrangeas you can make beautiful flower arrangements during the summer to decorate your home. Perfect in rustic environments, they can be placed in old watering cans, glass jars and / or emptied logs as a centerpiece.