Evergreen hydrangea is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom in the summer. The evergreen hydrangea is a native plant to Japan and Korea.
Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs
Related plant:
Large Evergreen Shrubs
About soil condition, evergreen hydrangea prefers acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 4.5 to 7.0. It does not tolerate soils that are wet for long periods of time or that have a high clay content. The ideal soil is well-drained and contains organic matter.
Similar to other hydrangeas, evergreen hydrangeas need at least four hours of sunlight each day to thrive. Morning sun is best, as afternoon sun can be too hot for these delicate blooms. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to provide some afternoon shade to keep your evergreen hydrangeas healthy and happy.
The temperature condition that is ideal for the evergreen hydrangea is one that is cool and moist. This plant does not tolerate heat well and will begin to wilt if the temperature gets too high. The evergreen hydrangea prefers a shady location and will do best if it is protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and may even die. If the humidity is too high, the plant will become soggy and may also die.
Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant will give you clues as to when it is time to fertilize. Evergreen hydrangeas are one such plant. The best time to fertilize your evergreen hydrangea is early spring, before new growth begins. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is a good choice. You can apply the fertilizer with a hand spreader or by using the granules. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your evergreen hydrangea healthy and vibrant. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, cut back any long or leggy branches to promote new growth. Finally, thin out the plant by removing any crowded or crossed branches. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears. This will help prevent infection and damage to the plant.
Propagation is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the current year's growth.Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and place in indirect light. Water regularly to keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Roots should form within 4-8 weeks. Once roots have formed and the cutting is well-rooted, transplant to a location in the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. Many factors such as light, water and soil type will affect the growth rate. In general, evergreen hydrangeas will grow about 2 to 3 feet per year. To ensure that your evergreen hydrangea has the best chance to grow quickly and evenly, make sure to plant it in an area that gets plenty of light and water. Choose a soil type that is well-drained and not too sandy or clay-like. Amending the soil with organic matter will also help to encourage growth.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a white powdery mold that grows on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that appears on the leaves. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant rot and the plant dies.
Source:
Hydrangea | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Hydrangeas, the bold chameleon of plants | MU Extension
Hydrangea: Identify and Manage Problems - UMD
