Hardy hydrangeas are not just winter survivors; savvy garden experts can use some clever tips to guarantee a fantastic flourish of flowers come springtime.
As we brace for the cooler months, green-fingered enthusiasts are urged to gear up for a magnificent display of hydrangea blooms next year.
The gardening gurus at Blooming Backyard have dished out three "essential" tasks to tackle during autumn to promise "stunning flower heads" in the forthcoming year.
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Their advice includes: "Hydrangeas, a traditional garden staple, are back in fashion in a big way. The stunning flower heads in a range of colours and shapes grace our gardens in summer and into autumn, depending on the variety."
They further note: "Unfortunately, their beauty doesn't last all year. Once the flowers and foliage die back in autumn, you'll need to head out into the garden for your annual hydrangea maintenance session.", reports the Express.
Emphasising the importance of these chores, they add: "These tasks are vital to keeping your plants looking great and ensuring they come back even bigger and stronger the following year."
One crucial task is pruning:.
Over time, hydrangeas can skyrocket in size and become untidy, demanding pruning for those who cherish a manicured garden's look.
However, picking up some shears and going to town on the stems isn't recommended. Prune incorrectly, choosing the wrong type or time, could spell disaster for your blooms in the next cycle.
Only autumn-blooming hydrangeas should be pruned during this season. This includes varieties that bloom on new wood, such as Hydrangea paniculata or Hydrangea arborescens, also known as peegee hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas respectively.
Other essential pruning steps, like removing faded flowers and dying branches, can be done at any time of the year. Always use a sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid damaging the branches and jeopardising new growth.
2. Tidy.
Once your hydrangea is pruned and looking its best, it's time to tackle the task that most gardeners dread - tidying up.
The process of cleaning up around the base of the plants can be a bit of a chore and requires some elbow grease, but it's essential for keeping your plants in good health.
Any debris left around the plants, particularly during autumn, can provide a perfect hiding place for harmful pests and diseases that will seize the opportunity to attack when the plant starts to grow again in spring.
Ensure to clear away any fallen leaves and flowers from around the base of your plant. Maintain this cleanliness throughout the season as more parts of the plant drop due to the chillier temperatures.
As long as the plant is disease-free, you can toss all this waste onto your compost pile.
At the same time, remove any branches lying on the ground. This action will elevate the plant, enhance airflow at the base, and prevent diseases from taking root on decaying or rotting branches in contact with the soil.
3. Mulch.
For those living in colder areas with plenty of frost or harsh winters, it's essential to mulch as the cold weather sets in. This method insulates the soil and protects the roots from potential damage.
Mulching also aids in moisture retention and stops weed growth, which is especially important when temperatures begin to climb again in early spring.
An organic layer of mulch, such as bark chips or straw, is ideal as they slowly break down into the soil over time. Around two inches should suffice for most climates, but in particularly chilly regions, this layer can be made a bit thicker.
