Hydrangeas
Flowers for Landscaping: Hydrangeas
Flowers for landscaping: Hydrangeas
Hydrangea is the name of a genus of handsome shrubs in the saxifrage family.
They grow in North and South America and in China and Japan. This stunning plant is the perfect choice for
the Spring and Easter seasons. It is worthy to note that there are approximately
70 to 75 different species of this family of shrubs which have become extremely
popular landscaping choices in the United States. These flowering shrubs bloom
through the summer and fall and come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Although there are many different types of hydrangeas, the three most popular species are the Hydrangea
Macrophylla, the Hydrangea Quercifolia, and the Hydrangea Paniculata.
THE HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA:This is also referred
to as the bigleaf hydrangea. In late summer or early fall, this shrub produces
exquisite white, blue or red blossoms. They may grow as much as 4-10 inches.
These blossoms require a mixture of sun and shade and flourish when planted in a
moist soil.
THE HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA:This is also referred
to as the oakleaf hydrangea. In late June, this shrub produces beautiful green
blossoms which are conical in shape, approximately 4-12 inches in width and can
reach over one foot in height. In the fall, the blossoms will eventually turn
white and then pink or purple. The transformation is a wonderful sight in any
landscape setting. The oakleaf thrive best in a setting of sun as well as shade
and do best when planted in an area containing moist soil.
THE HYDRANGEA PANICULATA:This beautiful shrub
is also referred to as the panicle hydrangea. In midsummer, white pyramidal
blossoms are produced which may extend about 6-10 inches across. The panicle
requires full sun without any shade and does best in a moist soil.
These truly decorative
plants, known especially for their large flowerheads, should be pruned on an
annual basis as soon as their buds begin to appear. Each flower is small but
tends to grow with many others in large, showy clusters. It is often thought
that these clusters will be even more beautiful when lime is added to the soil.
At times, the blue hydrangeas actually produce pink flowers as it reacts to the
lime additive. It is interesting to note that when considering care of these
blossoms, color changes are based on the pH of the soil. Less acidic soil can
change the blue blossoms to pink, while more acidic soil can have the reverse
effect. Be sure to remember that changing the pH of the soil should be done
before the flowers bloom for the season.
Although it does take
some work to produce the maximum effect of this beautiful shrubbery, the
finished product will delight anyone who has made any of the hydrangea shrubs
part of their landscape. It is a wonderful addition to any well maintained
garden.
Be sure and check out my other articles on
plants and flowers for landscaping