Hydrangea macrophylla, also called as Hortensia, Penny mac, Bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea is found growing persistent around old homesteads...
Hydrangea macrophylla, also called as Hortensia, Penny mac, Bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea, Lacecap hydrangea, Mophead hydrangea, Hortensia japonica, Hortensia mutabilis, Hortensia nigra, Hortensia opuloides, Hortensia rosea, Hortensia speciosa, Hydrangea azisai, Hydrangea florida, Hydrangea hortensia, Hydrangea hortensis, Hydrangea macrocephala, Hydrangea mandshurica, Hydrangea mutabilis, Hydrangea nigra, Hydrangea opuloides, Hydrangea otaksa, Hydrangea sieboldii, Hydrangea sinensis, Macnemaraea opulina, Primula mutabilis, Viburnum macrophyllum, is a species of the genus Hydrangea. This species was described by Nicolas Charles Seringe in 1830.
IDENTIFY HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA - HORTENSIA - PENNY MAC
Hydrangea macrophylla is native to Japan. It is found growing persistent around old homesteads, near water and on forest margins at elevations of 0-1500 meters above sea level.
It is a deciduous shrub which reaching to 2 meters tall with a rounded growth habit. The leaves are dark green, obovate to elliptic, serrated margins, measuring about 10 - 20 cm long and tend to be towards the end of the branches
Hortensia blooms in summer and autumn from the large corymb inflorescence of flowers, consisting of small fertile florets with scattered showy sterile florets often forming a marginal ring. They are well known because the change colour according to their pH value. When the soil is acidic, the flowers are blue or dark purple in colour. When the soil is alkaline, the flowers are pink in colour.
HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA - HORTENSIA - PENNY MAC CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Hydrangea macrophylla love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place for the plant is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients. High winds can rip and damage leaves and destroy the flowers. Although they can be successfully grown in full shade, they will not bloom well.
Temperature:
Keep the plants in a cool location, from 18° to 24°C. The plant suffer from considerable branch dieback during the cold months and will benefit from winter protection. Winter protection can be provided by constructing a wire framework around the plant and filling the space with shredded leaves to a depth of approximately 10-12” for insulation. Cold winters and late spring frosts can often kill flower buds, preventing plants from blooming in the spring. When unexpected cold weather is predicted in late spring or early summer after winter protection has been removed, it may be necessary to cover tender plant with cloth, burlap, or heavy paper to protect flower buds. Plastic should never be used as winter protection because it may damage tender plant tissue.
Substrate, growing media:
Hortensia are best planted in soil that has been amended with adequate amounts of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold, or well-composted manure.
While the plant grow better in soil that is lower in pH (acidic), they will tolerate higher pH soils (alkaline) quite well. The most common reason for reducing the soil pH level is if blue rather than pink flowers are desired. The flowers will be pink in alkaline soil and blue in acidic soil. Pink flowers can be changed to blue by acidifying soil and maintaining the pH in the 5.0 to 5.5 range. Adjusting a soil’s pH will need to be done annually in order to achieve and maintain proper results. The results from a soil pH test kit will determine existing pH levels and the need to add lime or sulfur in order to adjust the soil accordingly. Tap water may alter test results; therefore, it is important to use deionized water with a soil testing kit. Sulfur should be added in order to lower a soil’s pH. Lime should be added in order to raise a soil’s pH. Elemental sulfur, also called flowers of sulfur, or iron sulfate are better alternatives to using aluminum sulfate because aluminum can reach toxic levels in the soil. While aluminum is a key element to lower a soil’s acidity and change the color of flowers, it can also become toxic at high levels.
Humidity and Watering:
Hydrangea macrophylla prefer consistent moisture but dislike wet feet. The plant should be watered thoroughly at least 3 times a week. Always water the plant all the way around the container, not just in one place. Water should come out the bottom of the pot. Never let it sit in water which will cause the roots to rot away. Mulch to help conserve moisture and cool the root system. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will help to conserve moisture.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizing is generally not recommended unless a nutrient deficiency is observed. The plants may need little fertilizer in rich soil with organic matter applied yearly. Avoid using too much nitrogen - this can encourage foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Also avoid excess phosphorus if you are trying to encourage blue blooms on bigleaf types. If you do fertilize, do a little research to find out exactly what your particular variety might need, and always apply as directed and read and follow all label directions.
Pruning:
Hortensia should only be pruned immediately after they bloom and pruning should be kept to a minimum. If the plant is pruned in the fall or winter, it will not bloom in the spring or summer, and will flower in the following growing season. Dead or diseased branches can be pruned out at any time of the year.
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