Plant Care Myths - Hydrangeas

I truly love writing about things I care about regarding plants and I usually do so based on knowledge, research and experience.

Yet, I am somewhat going to shoot from the hip regarding Hydrangeas (mop heads) macrophylla and perhaps a few other species.

Understanding hydrangeas physiologically, I have worked with many with great success.

The one you see in the photo is a Nikko Blue mop-head hydrangea and they are gorgeous. Mop head hydrangeas are the most common in this area, along with some wonderful oakleaf hydrangeas.

There are a few other species of hydrangeas, yet they are not common in the Midlands. I can help you with this as almost any variety will do well here.

Pound-for-pound, based on stem structure, Mop Head Hydrangeas probably produce more blooms than most any other plant. They can be properly pruned and managed for years for most any part of a property's landscape.

Myth #1 They require a lot of water - it's in their name

I have heard this so many times that it has become silly, asinine. The botanical Latin name of the hydrangea is derived from word meaning "water vessel" said to refer to the "cup-like form of the seed-capsule". This has nothing to do with their need for water.

Hydrangeas, like many other plants, in similar environments, have no other special water requirements.

Myth #2 Hydrangeas are difficult to grow

I once thought so, but after planting so many with a highly successful rate-of-return, I must differ. When placed properly on a property, most hydrangeas will survive and flourish. Have I relocated a few? Yes, but not many. The first two years of most hydrangeas are key, but once they are established, they are indestructibly beautiful.

Myth #3 - When Hydrangeas Wilt they are Dying

Typically, no, they are not. This doesn't occur with all hydrangeas, but the big leaf hydrangeas have a deficiency with the underside of their leaves. There is a functional part (the stomata) which controls the exchange of gases, which holds true for most every plants yet, certain Hydrangeas fail to do so and they don't control the loss of water vapor and their leaves may begin to wilt in extreme temperatures or direct afternoon sun; yet, come evening, they will recover and be gorgeous again. 

If your hydrangea's leaves become yellow or brown during their growing season, then there may be cause for more care. Perhaps.

Please remember, diagnosing plants for nutrient deficiencies is much more difficult than recognizing fungal or pest problems.

Yellowing or browning of leaves is no more a sign of a lack of water than it is a sign of too much water or a lack of one or more soil nutrients - make no assumptions.

You will probably be able to forego all the fertilizers which are advertised to make your plants lives better if you only provide a properly mulched environment with the occasional addition of quality composted material.

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Plants are wonderful. As much as we expect of them, rarely do they fail us. They enhance our surroundings, our lives.

Designed and well-placed, and with the proper maintenance, they serve us well on any given piece of land...perhaps, for a lifetime.