How to Grow Bombshell Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Bombshell hydrangea is a beautiful flowering plant that is perfect for any garden. It has large, showy flowers that are sure to make a statement. This plant is easy to care for and is sure to add some pizzazz to your garden.

How to Grow Bombshell Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Snowball hydrangea
  • Peegee hydrangea
  • Oakleaf hydrangea
  • Panicle hydrangea
  • Smooth hydrangea

Good to Know

  • Hydrangeas are beautiful, flowering plants that come in a variety of colors.
  • The most popular type of hydrangea is the mophead hydrangea, which has large, round heads of flowers.
  • Hydrangeas are native to Asia and North America.
  • Hydrangeas have a long blooming season and can flower from spring to fall.
  • Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of climates.
  • Hydrangeas come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple.
  • Hydrangeas are often used in landscaping and as cut flowers.
  • Hydrangeas are poisonous to cats and dogs.
  • Hydrangeas can be propagated from cuttings or division.
  • The name "hydrangea" comes from the Greek words "hydros" meaning "water" and "angeion" meaning "vessel".

How to Grow

  1. For bombshell hydrangea, first step is to find the right location. This plant prefers partial sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, prepare the planting hole. It should be twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
  3. After that, loosen the roots of the plant and place it in the hole.
  4. Fill the hole with soil and water it well.
  5. Mulch around the plant to help with moisture retention.
  6. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring.
  7. Prune regularly to encourage new growth and to shape the plant.
  8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
  9. Harvest the flowers in the summer.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful bombshell hydrangea!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best way to ensure your hydrangea will have what it needs is to have your soil tested. The bombshell hydrangea specifically likes slightly acidic soil, so if your soil is on the alkaline side, you'll need to make some adjustments. You can either add sulfur to the soil or use an acidifying fertilizer.

Light requirement

Not too different with other hydrangeas, the Bombshell hydrangea needs at least 4 hours of sun each day in order to produce the beautiful blooms that it is known for. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it is best to plant this variety in a spot that gets some afternoon shade. Lack of sun will result in fewer flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of the bombshell hydrangea is a temperature that is not too hot and not too cold. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% Bombshell hydrangeas (H. macrophylla 'Bombshell') are large, showy plants that produce an abundance of beautiful flowers. They are native to Japan and Korea, and thrive in humid conditions. The flowers are typically pink or blue, but can also be white. The plant is relatively easy to care for, and does not require much water. However, it does prefer high humidity, and will not tolerate drought conditions.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to become yellow and can stunt the growth of the plant. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically made for hydrangeas. When it comes to the root system, bombshell hydrangeas have a shallow root system. This means that they need to be watered frequently, especially during hot and dry periods.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Bombshell Hydrangea is important to keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. You should prune your plant in early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, simply remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back any branches that are growing too long or out of shape.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is not difficult and can be accomplished by softwood or hardwood cuttings, as well as by layering. Bombshell hydrangeas are easy to propagate with softwood or hardwood cuttings, as well as by layering.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. However, there are some cultivars that can grow up to 3 feet per year. The fast growth rate is one of the reasons that this plant is so popular.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. Aphids are small, round, and green or brown. They suck the sap out of the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to become distorted. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery substance that covers the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause the leaves to become yellow or brown and eventually drop off. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that appears on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Rust is a orange or red powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause the leaves to become distorted and drop off.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your bombshell hydrangea regularly, as it requires moist soil to thrive.
  • fertilize your plant regularly to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune your hydrangea regularly to encourage new growth and prevent leggy plants.
  • Place your hydrangea in an area of your garden that receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Be sure to plant your hydrangea in well-draining soil to avoid root rot.
  • Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, which can damage your plant.
  • Deadhead your hydrangea flowers regularly to encourage further blooming.
  • Divide your hydrangea plants every few years to promote healthy growth.
  • Use mulch around your hydrangea to help retain moisture in the soil.
  • Winterize your hydrangea plants by covering them with a layer of mulch

Related Plants

  • Bombshell Bling Hydrangea
  • Bombshell Hydrangea
  • Bombshell™ Hydrangea
  • Bombshell™ Panicle Hydrangea
  • Bombshells Blooms Hydrangea
  • Bombshell® Hydrangea
  • Bombshell™ Hydrangea
  • Bombshell™ Panicle Hydrangea
  • Bombshells Blooms Hydrangea
  • Bombshell® Hydrangea

Source:
Species: Hydrangea paniculata 'Bombshell' - Cornell University
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Hydrangea Care - University of Illinois Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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