When I first planted my hydrangeas I wondered how long it would take before I saw their flowers. So, I did some research and thought I’d write this helpful article explaining it. There is a lot of contradictory information on the Internet, so here I want to clarify this topic.
The average growth rate is 25 inches (63 cm) per year. Hydrangeas grown from seed will bloom their first or second spring. This is also the case for Hydrangeas grown from cuttings. The growth rate also depends on how well the plant gets cared for.
There are ways you can improve the growth rate of hydrangeas. So, below I will give you the conditions to get the fastest growth rate. As well as, the easiest hydrangeas to grow, and other helpful information about hydrangeas.
You need to give hydrangeas ideal conditions to accelerate their growth.
Though hydrangeas grow at a rate of 25 inches (63 cm) per year, this is in ideal conditions. The ideal conditions for hydrangeas to grow differs based on the variety. Some are hardy and grow well in extreme weather conditions, whereas others require a more temperate climate. The average ideal conditions are below.
Soil quality
Hydrangeas grow well in normal soil. Poor soil conditions will show up in the plant. They can then be treated afterward. If you have existing plants in the garden. Look for discoloration of the leaves or shriveled edges or other issues that don’t look right.
The deficiencies or surplus of nutrients in the soil will show in the plant’s leaves. The bugs on the plant can also inform you as to the conditions of the soil. This then gives you guidance on the next steps to take. In order that your hydrangeas may grow optimally.
As fast and healthy as possible. You should then ask your local gardening store, neighbors, or do a Google search. This will tell you what nutrients to add to balance it out. Companion plants are also used to balance out the soil. Companion plants also attract insects. Some will eat insects that harm your plants. The scent of some companion plants can also repel harmful insects.
How much light to give hydrangeas for optimal growth
The ideal amount of light for the most common varieties is sunlight in the morning with shade in the afternoon. This gets done by planting the hydrangea where it will be shaded in the afternoon by a tree or building. Some varieties grow well in complete shade, whereas others can survive extreme and cold.
The amount of water to give hydrangeas
You want to ensure that the soil your hydrangeas are in is moist. The soil can be kept moist by using a ground cover. The ground cover protects the soil for the sun which dries out all the water in the soil. The best ground cover is grass clippings, seaweed from the local beach, bark, and wood chips. There are also many other materials you can use. Try out different ones which are easily accessible in your area, and see which you like best for your garden.
Avoid overwatering hydrangeas as this will lead to rotting of the root system and yellowing of the leaves. You will find more information here.
Most gardeners will cut down the plants at the end of the season or after many seasons. The material used as ground cover is mixed into the soil. Then new plants are planted. Then a new ground cover gets added on top. This way nutrients are recycled into the soil.
Some species are very easy to grow.
Oakleaf hydrangeas are low care plants. This is because they do well in extreme weather conditions. This means they will grow regardless of whether you care for them. They will do better if you care for them, and plant them in a good spot. We will talk about this above.
A characteristic that makes hydrangeas easy to grow is the climate of the region you are in. There are different regions categorized by the USDA. They use a hardiness scale which you can match to the type of hydrangea which you are thinking about growing. Some regions are easier to grow specific varieties of hydrangeas in.
Hydrangeas come in a range of types. Some grow like a vine and can survive in the shade, whereas others grow as short shrubs and look nice in rows. You should research a color and growth type which you like, and find one that can grow in your region using the USDA hardiness scale.
Those taken from cuttings or seeds from those grown in your region will grow better than starting from bought seeds. This is because each new plant that comes from a healthy mother plant adapts to the environment in which it is grown. The information is sent in the DNA of the mother plant. These are known as heirloom seeds or cuttings.
Shade hydrangeas from the afternoon sun.
Hydrangeas grow in a range of environments. This is because there are many different varieties of hydrangeas. Some will grow in full shade, whereas others can be left in the full sun. The ideal conditions for the most common varieties are the sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
There are varieties that climb up other trees like a vine. They live harmoniously together and produce large flowers that compliment an established tree.
Cut old-growth after blooming.
There are two types of growth on hydrangeas. These are old and new growth. Old-growth is characterized by stiff, hard, stems with bark. Whereas, new growth is green and soft growth which has grown in the previous year.
Old-growth should be cut immediately after flowering. Which occurs around the end of summer (mid to late September in the USA), when the flowers begin to wilt and die. This is because shortly after they produce the buds. The buds sit dormant on the plant all winter long. Therefore, if you prune them back too late you will cut off the next year’s flowers.
For new growth, you can cut them back anytime during the year, as you feel necessary.
Acidic soil will make the color of flowers brighter.
Hydrangeas color changes based on the acidity of the soil. This is measured in pH. Coffee can change the acidity of the soil making it more acidic. But, this is only if unused coffee grounds get used. If you add coffee from your coffee machine or coffee plunger that has already been used to brew coffee they will only add organic material. Thus, it will have little to no effect on the pH of the soil.
The best way to increase soil acidity is through the addition of organic matter, and planting companion plants. The best organic matter to use is sphagnum peat moss or composted oak leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hydrangeas grow at a rate of 25 inches (63 cm) per year. This can be increased by giving your plant ideal conditions. This is determined by the variety of hydrangea that you are growing. To increase growth rates, you should give them nutrient-rich soil, keep the soil moist, and give them the required of sun. Though hardy varieties will grow well with little to no care.