Hydrangeas are deciduous, so lose their leaves in winter, but they are completely hardy in Australia, so need very little care, other than watering through dry weather once established. Hydrangea’s Natural Habitat Hydrangeas are widespread in nature, and commonly found growing wild through Asia and the Americas in both sunny and shady positions.
Can you grow Hydrangeas in Australia?
Not only can they be grown just about anywhere in Australia they also flower prolifically in blue, pink, red or white. Hydrangea macrophyllais the most widely recognised species. The mophead type has big round flower clusters while lacecaps feature long, flathead open blooms with bud-like flowers in the centre.
Are hydrangeas native to North America?
It’s true that many of the showiest hydrangea varieties, like the bigleaf Hydrangea macrophylla, originated in Asia - but Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oak leaf hydrangea) are native to North America. Plus, these two varieties come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes.
How do you grow wild hydrangeas?
Wild Hydrangea - Grow Native! Mass or group in shaded area of the mixed shrub border or naturalize in native plant or woodland garden. Flowers can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. Grow in full sun to partial shade in rich, moist soil. Tolerates deep shade. Blooms on new growth so can be cut back to the ground in early spring to control size.
What kind of hydrangea has red leaves?
The oak-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is another lovely form, which is native to the USA. It features deeply-lobed leaves, which turn fabulous red shades in autumn, and produces creamy white, cone-shaped flowers in summer.
Where are hydrangeas native?
Hydrangeas are native to Asia & America There are over 70 species of hydrangea and most of these are native to eastern Asia including Japan, China, and Korea. They have been cultivated in Japan for centuries - they're mentioned in poetry from as long ago as 710 A.D, and depicted in antique paintings.
Where do hydrangeas grow best in Australia?
Most garden hydrangeas are tough plants that thrive in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Plant in a position in sun or dappled shade that offers protection from the hottest sun. Prune hard in late winter to remove any old or dead wood.
Are hydrangeas a native plant?
Facts. American hydrangea (aka smooth hydrangea) is a deciduous shrub that grows to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Native to most of eastern North America, the few populations in New England are considered introduced, as they are mostly recorded from disturbed areas.
When should you plant hydrangeas in Australia?
"Late summer is one of the best times to plant hydrangeas as you'll be able to make the most of their colours while they are still in bloom," says gardening expert Narelle Peart from Scotts Osmocote.
What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas?
If you don't prune hydrangeas then they can eventually resemble a tangled mass of woody stems, and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. If your hydrangeas are not blooming, lack of pruning is often a reason.
Do hydrangeas like sun or shade?
Hydrangeas like morning sun, but do not do well if they're in direct, hot afternoon sun. Partial shade in the later parts of the day is ideal for these beauties.
Are hydrangeas invasive species?
For example, hostas, hybrid tea roses, most garden hydrangeas, boxwoods, tulips, daffodils, garden salvias, dwarf shrub junipers, and peonies are all non-native to the region but are not known to be invasive.
Are hydrangeas good for wildlife?
It's not dense enough or thorny to give birds somewhere to shelter; it's leaves don't appear tasty to insects, so there's little value there; and most of all the flowers seem so unattractive to insects. The reason is quite simple. The giant globes of flowers you see on so many hydrangeas are entirely sterile.
Do bees like hydrangeas?
The fertile flowers of hydrangeas are small and insignificant and not as showy to our eyes but are heavily frequented by bees.
What do you feed hydrangeas in Australia?
A good all purpose 12-4-8 or 10-10-10 composition will provide all the fertilizing hydrangeas need. Either a chemical source or organic matter can be used successfully. Applying a once a year slow-release chemical formulated for shrubs and trees is the simplest solution to hydrangea care and feeding.
What grows well with hydrangeas Australia?
Azaleas, hollies, yews, mahonia, gardenia, loropetalum and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas.
Do you cut dead heads off hydrangeas?
Since hydrangea blossoms are so big, deadheading a hydrangea makes a real difference in diverting energy to more important parts of the plant's growth. You should carry out this practice all through the blooming season to encourage new blossoms and keep your plant looking fresh.
What do you feed hydrangeas in Australia?
A good all purpose 12-4-8 or 10-10-10 composition will provide all the fertilizing hydrangeas need. Either a chemical source or organic matter can be used successfully. Applying a once a year slow-release chemical formulated for shrubs and trees is the simplest solution to hydrangea care and feeding.
Can hydrangeas grow in full shade?
Hydrangeas grow best in full sun (more than 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun). With that being said, all hydrangeas can handle some shade, but the timing and type of shade are important to consider. They can be in full shade during the hottest part of the day, as long as they are getting some morning sun.
Which is the hardiest hydrangea?
Hydrangea paniculataHydrangea paniculata is one of the hardiest species; it thrives in Zones 4-8.
What conditions do hydrangeas like?
Most hydrangeas will grow in an open sunny situation, but prefer light shade. They grow on most soils and thrive on heavy clay. This means they are ideal for most new-build gardens and wet, compacted soils.
When do hydrangeas bloom?
Large clusters of flat, creamy white, flowers open in June and last for many weeks. Plants bloom most of the summer. Pollen-rich flowers attract many insects. Plants form rounded mounds. Flowers can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. Grow in partial shade in rich moist soil. Tolerates deep shade.Part of our Pollinator Buffet plant tag series. The eastern bumble bee and other insects pollinate wild hydrangea. It is one of the most widespread and abundant bumble bees in the eastern US. Also attracts azures and hairstreaks.
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment (s) inhabited by the plants in this database.
How tall does a hydrangea grow?
Old fashioned varieties such as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ayesha’ grow about 1.5-2m (5-7′) tall or more, and can look floppy. Medium growers including the white flowered Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bichon’ reach about 1.5m (5′) tall. They are more compact and have more flowers.
What is the color of hydrangeas?
The flower colour in most forms relates to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. In acid soil (pH 5 or less) hydrangeas are usually always blue.
How much does a hydrangea cost?
They are available in 200mm (8″) pots for about $16, up to 300mm (12″) pots for $60. Hydrangeas also strike very easily from soft tip or hardwood cuttings.
What happens if you prune hydrangeas too fiercely?
If hydrangeas are pruned too fiercely year after year flowering will be reduced to 10% or less, so just cut back the green, current season’s growth to two plump eyes or leaf buds. Leave stems that have not flowered as these will flower the following season.
Is hydrangea a hardy shrub?
Hydrangeas are wonderful, hardy shrubs that would certainly have to be included on a list of the ten best flowering plants in the world. Some people remember hydrangeas growing in their grandmother’s garden, and think of them as old fashioned plants.
Where do hydrangeas grow?
They are found mainly in temperate Asia, with a few species in the Americas and their preferred habitat is moist woodland areas. Hydrangeas have brittle, pithy stems and dark green leaves with serrated edges, but they are grown chiefly for their stunning flowers and, in Hydrangea macrophylla, flower colour can vary depending on the soil - acid soils produce blue flowers and alkaline soils produce red and pinks. The cultivars of this species are divided into 2 groups: Mopheads (hortensias) - of which there are around 500 cultivars, and Lacecaps - which number about 20 cultivars. Dried hydrangea leaves become very sweet and are used to make the 'tea of heaven' for Buddhist ceremonies.
How many cultivars of hydrangea are there?
The cultivars of this species are divided into 2 groups: Mopheads (hortensias) - of which there are around 500 cultivars, and Lacecaps - which number about 20 cultivars. Dried hydrangea leaves become very sweet and are used to make the 'tea of heaven' for Buddhist ceremonies.
What color are hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas have brittle, pithy stems and dark green leave s with serrated edges, but they are grown chiefly for their stunning flowers and, in Hydrangea macrophylla, flower colour can vary depending on the soil - acid soils produce blue flowers and alkaline soils produce red and pinks.
How to grow Hydrangea macrophylla?
Grow Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars to suit the soil pH colour can be changed by dressing with aluminium sulphate for blue blooms and with lime for red blooms. Propagation is usually from cuttings - softwood in summer or hardwood in winter - though the species may be raised from seed.
Do hydrangeas have flowers?
Though most gardeners grow hydrangeas for their flowers, the foliage too can be quite impressive, with large, dark green oval leaves, often with serrated edges. Flowerheads are made up of very small fertile flowers surrounded by larger, eye-catching, 4-petalled, sterile florets, and usually emerge in spring and summer. Colours range from white through to red, purple, and blue.
How big do hydrangeas get?
There are also miniature types that get to about 300mm high. Anthony Curnow of Plants Management Australia says that hydrangeas are simple to plant but need nutrients to thrive.
Can hydrangeas be grown in Australia?
They may make you think of your gran but she was onto a good thing with hydrangeas. Not only can they be grown just about anywhere in Australia they also flower prolifically in blue, pink, red or white. Hydrangea macrophyllais the most widely recognised species.
Can hydrangeas change color?
Colour change. Max Pixel. It’s true that Hydrangea macrophyllaflowers can change colour, depending on the acidity of the soil. More acid soils give blue flowers, alkaline soils red or pink and neutral purple, while white stays white regardless of soil pH.
Where are hydrangeas native to?
It’s true that many of the showiest hydrangea varieties, like the bigleaf Hydrangea macrophylla, originated in Asia - but Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oak leaf hydrangea) are native to North America. Plus, these two varieties come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Here are just a few of the great choices for gardeners who would like to explore these native hydrangea cultivars:
Why is it important to plant native plants?
Gardening with native plants is a smart choice for gardeners who want easy care landscapes with a focus on sustainability. These gardeners know that plants that are native to their region have the advantage of naturally being well-suited to environmental conditions and therefore typically require less intensive management.
Do native plants have a negative impact on waterways?
Natives are also less like to be invasive and are naturally more disease-resistant, limiting the need for fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation; minimizing the negative impact on nearby waterways. If you love native plants, then you also have something in common with local insect communities!
Where do hydrangeas grow?
New forms include ‘Candlelight’ and Diamond Rouge’, both of which will grow in full sun or part shade.
What is a hydrangea shrub?
Traditionally a shrub for shady garden beds or side paths , hydrangeas have spread their wings in recent years, with a bunch of new sun-loving varieties appearing on the scene. They've also scaled down a little in size, making great potted plants for decks and patios.
What is the name of the hydrangea that blooms on new wood?
Pee Gee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata, which includes varieties such as 'Limelight') as well as smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens, also called seven bark and best known for the variety 'Annabelle') bloom on new wood. Timing for the pruning of these types of hydrangea is not as critical—you can prune in winter or early spring and they will grow and flower in the same season.
How tall do hydrangeas get?
The best known varieties are the mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), which are deciduous shrubs growing to around 1-2 metres in height and bearing large rounded flower heads. Lacecap hydrangeas are a smaller group (belonging to the same species), which have more flattened flower heads, where the showy coloured petals form a ring around a cluster of tiny flowers in the centre.
What is the best color for hydrangeas?
For sunny areas of the garden, choose forms of Hydrangea paniculata which are more sun-tolerant. ‘Candlelight’ bears creamy white flowers which turn pink as they age; ‘Diamond Rouge’ produces white flowers in summer, which gradually morph through pink to rich red.
What is the pH of hydrangeas?
Hydrangea macrophylla varieties are well known for their habit of changing flower colour, according to the pH of the soil they’re growing in. Soils which are acidic (below pH 7) produce blue blooms and alkaline soils (above pH 7) produce pink.
How long do hydrangeas last?
One of the newest hydrangeas to appear on the market is ‘Magical Revolution’, which produces classic mophead-style flowers with a unique quality - they last for up to 150 days! Opening in spring, the blooms go through a colour transformation from pastel blue or pink, through pinky-red shades and onto deep burgundy by autumn. They’re also compact growing plants, so are perfect for pots and small gardens too.
