Early blue hydrangea is a plant that is known for its blue flowers. The plant is native to Asia and is found in China, Korea, and Japan. The plant is also found in North America. The plant is a perennial and blooms in the summer. The plant grows to be about four feet tall and has a spread of two to three feet. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. The plant is propagate by seed, division, or cuttings.
Related plant:
Nearly Wild Rose
About soil condition, early blue hydrangea grows best in moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates average to slightly dry soil conditions. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0 to 7.0).
So, like the other hydrangeas, early blue hydrangeas need at least four hours of sun each day in order to bloom. They will tolerate partial sun, but will not flower as well. These plants prefer soil that is on the acidic side, so if your soil is alkaline, you may need to amend it.
The temperature condition that is best for early blue hydrangeas is cool to moderate. They can tolerate some heat, but they will not do well in hot, humid conditions. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to plant your hydrangeas in a location that gets some afternoon shade.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. Relative humidity below 50% will cause the leaves to drop. The plant may also stop blooming if the relative humidity drops too low. If the relative humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and the plant may stop blooming.
The fertilizer, this family of plant foods, is important to the growth and development of plants. Fertilizer replenishes essential nutrients in the soil that are necessary for plant growth. One such essential nutrient is phosphorus, which is important for the development of plant roots. Plants need phosphorus for root growth, to produce flowers, and to create new leaves and stems.
Pruning is essential to the health and beauty of early blue hydrangeas. By pruning away dead or damaged branches, you encourage new growth and allow the plant to focus its energy on producing healthy flowers. The best time to prune your hydrangea is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Propagation is generally easy and can be done by seed, division, or cuttings. Seed germination can be erratic and slow, taking anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Division is best done in the spring, just as the plant is beginning to show new growth. Cuttings can be taken at any time during the growing season.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer. The best time to plant these shrubs is in the fall. This shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 18 feet wide. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves or stems, which can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death. To control these pests, you can use a variety of methods including removing them by hand, using insecticidal soap, or applying horticultural oil.
Source:
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Growing Tips: Hydrangeas, Color and Fertilizing
