EXPERT REVEALS HOW TO MAKE HYDRANGEAS THE STAR OF YOUR GARDEN ... JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS
Hydrangeas are show-stealers in any garden. Their lush, rounded blooms, in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple, add vibrant colour and texture to the garden.
According to garden design and horticulture expert Andrew Stark, these iconic plants bring classic beauty and thrive in various climates, making them a perfect choice for Aussie gardeners.
Whether you're after a colourful Christmas display or just love the idea of low-maintenance lushness, here’s Andrew’s guide to making the most of hydrangeas year-round.
1. Choose the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden Goals
Selecting the right hydrangea type is key to creating the look you want. Here are some popular options that thrive in Australian gardens:
Mophead Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): The classic hydrangea with big, rounded blooms. Mopheads are a favourite for their dramatic, vibrant flowers. Perfect for bold displays.
Lacecap Hydrangeas: With a more delicate flower structure, lacecaps have a central core of tiny blooms surrounded by larger petals, offering a soft, elegant look.
Hydrangea Paniculata: Known for their cone-shaped flowers, these hydrangeas start white and turn shades of pink or red as they age, adding a dynamic touch to your garden.
Hydrangea Quercifolia (Oakleaf): Oakleaf hydrangeas bring interest all year with their unique foliage that turns red, orange, and purple in autumn. Their flowers bloom white and age to pink, adding dimension to any garden space.
2. Time Your Planting for a Spectacular Christmas Display
The best time to plant hydrangeas in Australia is early spring or autumn, giving them time to establish before the peak summer season. To get your hydrangeas blooming by Christmas, plant them in a spot where they’ll have enough time to settle into the soil and develop strong roots. This timing is ideal for creating a standout garden feature for holiday gatherings.
3. Keep Them Hydrated
As their name suggests, hydrangeas love water. They thrive in consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil, so aim for deep watering at least twice a week in warmer weather. Consider adding mulch around the base of your plants to retain moisture, especially if they’re in an area with afternoon sun.
4. Find the Perfect Sun Spot
Hydrangeas love sun but not too much of it! They do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. While they can handle more sun in cooler areas, too much direct sunlight can cause the blooms to wilt, especially during Australia’s hot summer days. Positioning them in a semi-shaded spot will help keep your flowers fresh and bright.
5. Feed for Big, Bold Blooms
Hydrangeas are hungry plants and need a little help for optimal growth. Use a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy blooms. If you want to enhance colour, aluminium sulphate can turn flowers blue in acidic soils, while lime can encourage pink shades in more alkaline soils.
6. Prune Properly for Maximum Blooms
Timing is crucial when it comes to pruning hydrangeas, as different types bloom on different growth stages:
Mopheads and Lacecaps: These varieties bloom on old wood, so prune lightly in late summer, right after the flowers fade, to avoid removing next year’s blooms.
Paniculata and Oakleaf Hydrangeas: These types bloom on new wood, so they can be pruned more heavily in late winter or early spring.
To tidy up the plant, remove any dead or weak stems and trim spent blooms. Regular pruning will help promote fuller growth and stronger blooms each season.
7. Enjoy Hydrangeas All Year Long
Hydrangeas offer beauty beyond just the summer months. Here’s how to get the most out of them throughout the year:
Spring: New foliage and buds emerge, bringing fresh greenery to the garden. Apply mulch and give a slow-release feed to support growth.
Summer: Hydrangeas bloom in all their glory. To prolong the blooming season, keep up with watering and deadhead spent flowers.
Autumn: Some varieties, like the oakleaf hydrangea, bring stunning autumn foliage in shades of red and purple. The faded flower heads, as they dry naturally, can add a rustic charm to the garden.
Winter: Hydrangea blooms, even in their dried state, can add texture and interest to a winter garden. Use dried flower heads in wreaths or leave them on the plant for structural beauty.
8. Bring Blooms Indoors for Festive Flair
With their bold colours and full blooms, hydrangeas are perfect for cut flower arrangements. Snip a few fresh blooms for a holiday centrepiece, or dry them earlier in the year for a long-lasting, rustic addition to wreaths and decorations.
Hydrangeas are low-maintenance yet high-impact plants that bring endless beauty to gardens. With a bit of seasonal care and smart positioning, you’ll have vibrant blooms for Christmas and throughout the growing season. Get ready to make these garden showstoppers a highlight of your outdoor space!
