Hydrangeas have been shining in the Melbourne gardens for many years. These species of big flowering plants can make your space vibrant and fit well with the Melbourne climate. If you also love these plants and are thinking about how to grow Hydrangeas in Melbourne successfully, you are in the right place. Here we will discuss this in detail.
When to Plant Hydrangeas in Melbourne
In case you want your Hydrangeas to thrive, you first must know the right time to plant them. They grow fast in mild temperatures, so try to plant them in the fall and early spring. During this period, the soil is wet and the temperature soothing. This means you do not have to worry about heat as well as
frost.
Apart from the climate, the location where you grow also matters a lot. So, pick the spot which gets an abundant amount of sunlight in the morning. The site must remain shaded the rest of the day. It is vital to note that Hydrangeas do not require excessive heat, but they do require little light to grow properly.
Soil and Watering Needs of Hydrangea
Indeed, fertile, nutrient-rich soil is crucial to growing healthy plants, including Hydrangeas. But the question is what kind of soil is actually needed for them. Well, Hydrangeas love damp soil. Also, they prosper even more when the soil is fertile. So, it will be a great idea to add compost or manure before growing the plant. Moreover, avoid overuse of nitrogen as it can result in more leaves and fewer flowers.
Apart from this, make sure the soil remains humid enough during summer. But don’t overwater because it can lead to soggy soil, which can eventually result in root-rot.
When to Prune Hydrangeas in Melbourne
Understanding when to prune hydrangeas in Melbourne is pretty imperative if you wish to have plenty of flowers in your garden. So, for good results, you should prune them after they bloom, which normally happens in late summer or early fall. Also, cut off the tops of old flower heads just above a healthy bud. In addition to this, get rid of any stems that are dead or broken. Be careful not to cut too much, because myriad types of Hydrangeas bloom on old wood, and cutting too much can stop them from blooming next year.
The Secret of Soil pH and Colour Control
One of the most interesting things about Hydrangeas is that their colour changes with the pH of the soil. This works best for mophead and lacecap species of Hydrangea macrophylla. Here is how to modify the flower colour by adjusting the soil PH:
- To grow bold blue Hydrangea flowers, you need to keep the soil pH below 6.
- Soil that is neutral to alkaline (pH above 7) results in blooms that are pink or crimson.
- Soils between 6-7 PH result in purple or mixed colours.
Now, you may be wondering how to alter the PH value of soil. So, if you want blue flowers, add a little aluminium sulfate to the soil. On the other hand, to grow pink blooms, the pH level of the soil needs to be increased. This can be done by adding lime. It is imperative to note that white Hydrangeas normally stay white, regardless of the soil PH value.
Your Melbourne Hydrangea Journey Starts Here
Growing hydrangeas in Melbourne will become pretty easy by following these tips. We at Aumann’s Nursery are proud to have a large selection of Hydrangea Melbourne plants that will fit every taste and any size garden. We offer everything you need to make your Hydrangea dreams come true, whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening for a long time. Visit our online store now to check out our collection and find the perfect Hydrangea. Let’s help you make your landscape look great!