Blue hydrangea bush is a plant that is known for its blue flowers. The plant is native to Asia and can be found in China, Japan, and Korea. The plant is also found in North America and Europe. The plant grows in moist and shady areas. The plant can grow to be six feet tall and four feet wide. The plant blooms from June to September.
Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue
Related plant:
Viburnum Dentatum Blue Muffin
About soil condition, blue hydrangea bush like acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. They dislike chalky or alkaline soils. To achieve the optimum soil condition, dig in ericaceous compost or garden sulphate of iron a few weeks before planting.
Similar to other hydrangeas, the blue hydrangea bush requires at least six hours of sun exposure every day in order to produce blooms. When choosing a spot to plant your bush, make sure it is in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. If possible, choose an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the blooms from the hot afternoon sun.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for a blue hydrangea bush is one that is cool, but not freezing. This plant does not do well in hot or humid climates, as the heat and moisture can cause the flowers to wilt. The best time to plant a blue hydrangea bush is in the spring, after the last frost has passed.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-50%. If the air is too dry, the flowers will wilt and the leaves will dry out and drop off. If the air is too humid, the plant may develop fungal diseases.
The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is necessary for healthy growth and blooming of the blue hydrangea bush. It is recommended to use a formula with a higher middle number such as 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. The fertilizer should be applied in early spring before new growth begins and then again in mid-summer after the plant has finished blooming. It's important not to overdo it with the fertilizer, however, as too much can damage the roots.
Pruning a blue hydrangea bush is an essential part of its care. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You should remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. After pruning, be sure to fertilize the bush to encourage new growth.
Propagation is best done in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be taken from new, green growth that is about 6-8 inches long. Make sure to cut just below a leaf node, and remove all but the top two leaves. Cuttings can be placed directly into moistened soil, or they can be placed in a container of water until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into soil.
Usually, the plant growth rate is quite slow; however, they can grow up to 3 feet per year under the right circumstances. The best time to plant a blue hydrangea bush is in the spring or fall. These bushes prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. Once the bush is established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, powdery mildew, root rot, and wilt. These can be caused by different fungi or bacteria. Some of these problems can be controlled by using chemicals, but others may need to be removed from the plant.
Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Hydrangeas - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
