Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cape hatteras hydrangea is a plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be 6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are dark green and the flowers are white. The Cape Hatteras hydrangea is a popular plant for gardens because it is low maintenance and drought tolerant.

Popular name

• cape hatteras
  
• dogtooth hydrangea
  
• hatteras hydrangea
  
• west indian hydrangea
  
• white hydrangea

Basic info

• The Cape hatteras hydrangea (H. trollii) is a small shrub that is native to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
  
• It is convenient to grow and can be used in a range of landscapes.
  
• The Cape hatteras hydrangea has white flowers that bloom from June to August.
  
• It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils.
  
• This shrub can tolerate some salt spray and is therefore ideal for growing near the coast.
  
• It is low-maintenance and does not require regular pruning.
  
• The Cape hatteras hydrangea is relatively disease and pest-free.
  
• It is not tolerant of drought conditions.
  
• If grown in containers, the Cape hatteras hydrangea should be fertilized regularly.
  
• It can be propagated from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Planting Process

1. For cape hatteras hydrangea, first step is to choose a location. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or grasses. loosen the soil with a shovel or tiller.
   
3. If you are planting more than one cape hatteras hydrangea, space the plants 3 to 5 feet apart.
   
4. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Tamp down gently.
   
6. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
7. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the stem.
   
8. Cape hatteras hydrangea does not require regular fertilization. However, you can feed it once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
   
10. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your cape hatteras hydrangea all summer long!

Related plant:
Plumbago Royal Cape

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Cape Hatteras Hydrangea requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, it can be amended with sulphur or peat moss. This plant is drought tolerant once established, but looks best with occasional watering during dry spells.

About light

Just like other hydrangeas, the Cape Hatteras hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. This tough plant is also salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition around Cape Hatteras is quite warm, which is perfect for the hydrangea. This shrub loves the heat and can tolerate temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to make sure that the plant does not experience any prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, as this can damage the stems and leaves.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity conditions are too low, the leaves may start to turn brown and crinkle. If the humidity conditions are too high, the leaves may start to turn yellow and fall off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is important for the growth of your Cape Hatteras hydrangea. The roots are the part of the plant that absorbs the nutrients from the fertilizer so that the plant can grow. If you do not fertilize your hydrangea, it will not grow as well as it could.

About light

Pruning is an important part of taking care of your Cape Hatteras hydrangea. Pruning not only keeps the plant looking neat and tidy, but it also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning your Cape Hatteras hydrangea, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Cut back the stems of the plant by about one-third, making sure to cut just above a leaf node.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least 2 sets of leaves. Cuttings can be rooted in water or planted directly in potting mix. Once roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. The average growth rate for these plants is about 2 feet per year. However, some species can grow much faster, up to 4 feet per year. The slower-growing species are typically found in the wild, while the faster-growing species are typically cultivated.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture or poor drainage. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant your cape hatteras hydrangea in a well-drained area and water only when the soil is dry. If you already have these problems, you can treat them with a fungicide.

Growing Tips

• Remember to regularly water your plant, as cape hatteras hydrangeas require moist soil to thrive.
  
• Give your plant some afternoon shade, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
  
• Add a bit of organic matter to the soil before planting to help retain moisture.
  
• Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer to keep the plant healthy and encourage blooming.
  
• Cut the plant back by about a third in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Be sure to deadhead spent flowers to prolong the blooming season.
  
• Protect the plant from strong winds, as the large blooms can be easily damaged.
  
• Pests and diseases are not typically a problem for cape hatteras hydrangeas, but be on the lookout for scale or aphids.
  
• This plant can be propagated easily from softwood cuttings taken in

Similar Plants

• Hydrangea's (Hydrangeas)
  
• Hydrangea Vine (Hydrangea macrophylla)
  
• Honeysuckle (Honeysuckle)
  
• Hydrangea paniculata (Paniculated Hydrangea)
  
• Hydrangea arborescens (Hills of Snow)
  
• Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
  
• Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)
  
• Hydrangea anomala (Climbing Hydrangea)
  
• Hydrangea heteromalla (Canadian Hydrangea)
  
• Hydrangea cuvieri (Cuvier's Hydrangea)
  

Source:
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Cape Hatteras: Where Currents Collide > Background