Maintenance Landscaping Design

Dark purple hydrangea is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about six feet tall. The dark purple hydrangea has large, showy flowers that are a deep purple color. The blooms of this plant are very beautiful and they make great cut flowers. The dark purple hydrangea is a very popular plant and it is often used in landscaping.

Also known as

• Piau
  
• Hortensia
  
• Brunera
  
• Florists hydrangea
  
• Tree hydrangea

Basic info

• The dark purple hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan.
  
• It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has large, showy clusters of dark purple flowers.
  
• The dark purple hydrangea is known for its ability to thrive in shady areas and its ability to tolerate drought conditions.
  
• The dark purple hydrangea is an popular choice for landscaping as it is relatively low maintenance and provides year-round interest.
  
• The dark purple hydrangea is a slow grower and may take several years to reach its full potential size.
  
• Pruning is typically only necessary to shape the plant or remove spent flowers.
  
• The dark purple hydrangea is fairly pest and disease resistant but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.
  
• The dark purple hydrangea is best planted in well-drained, fertile soil in an area that receives full to partial sun.
  
• It is important to water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
  
• The dark purple hydrangea makes an excellent cut flower and can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.

Growing Steps

1. For dark purple hydrangea, first step is to know your soil. Test your soil's pH levels to determine if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline. The ideal pH range for dark purple hydrangea is between 0 and
   
2. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, if necessary, to improve drainage and nutrients.
   
3. Choose a planting location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
   
4. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the dark purple hydrangea's root ball.
   
5. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill with soil, gently tamping down as you go.
   
6. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
7. Mulch around the base of the plant with an organic material, such as wood chips or shredded bark.
   
8. Prune dark purple hydrangea in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
   
9. Fertilize dark purple hydrangea in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
10. Water dark purple hydrangea regularly, especially during periods of extended drought.

Related plant:
Caryopteris Dark Knight

The Soil

About soil condition, the dark purple hydrangea prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH soil. This hydrangea also does best in well-drained, moist soil, so it's important to keep an eye on the moisture levels and not let the soil dry out. If the soil does become too dry, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will droop.

Light requirement

So, like the other hydrangeas, dark purple hydrangeas need at least four to six hours of sun each day in order to flourish. Without enough sun, the plants will produce fewer flowers. If you live in a particularly sunny climate, you may need to provide some afternoon shade for your dark purple hydrangeas.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a dark purple hydrangea is a cool temperature. This means that the temperature should not be too hot or too cold. The best way to maintain a cool temperature is to keep the plant in a shady area.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity level gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. If the humidity level gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant food we use is fast-acting and we see results quickly. However, this is not the case with slow-releasing fertilizer. Slow-releasing fertilizer is released over a period of time, usually 2-3 months. This type of fertilizer is great for plants that need a long-term food source, such as trees and shrubs. It's also a good choice for plants that are difficult to fertilize, such as those that are root-bound.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a dark purple hydrangea is a simple process that can be done in late winter or early spring. First, remove any dead or damaged branches. Next, cut back any overgrown branches. Finally, shape the plant by trimming any long or straggly branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is relatively easy and can be done by taking stem cuttings in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot and water as needed to keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is extremely fast. They can add several inches to their height in just a few weeks! This makes them perfect for filling in any gaps in your flowerbeds. Make sure to give them plenty of water, as they will dry out quickly in hot weather.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf spot. Root rot is caused by too much moisture, and can lead to the plant dying.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your dark purple hydrangea in an area that gets partial to full sun.
  
• Soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
  
• Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Water regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  
• Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Cut back the plant by one-third in late winter to promote new growth.
  
• Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season.
  
• Protect the plant from strong winds to prevent damage.
  
• In colder climates, provide winter protection for the plant by covering it with a burlap cloth or blanket.
  
• Divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.

Related Plants

• Hydrangea arborescens
  
• Hydrangea paniculata
  
• Hydrangea involucrata
  
• Hydrangea coronaria
  
• Hydrangea macrophylla
  
• Hydrangea quercifolia
  
• Hydrangea serrata
  
• Hydrangea anomala
  
• Hydrangea pilosa
  
• Hydrangea villosa

Source:
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea)
How to Change the Color of Hydrangeas - Mississippi State …