How to Grow Hydrangea Macrophylla Ayesha - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea macrophylla ayesha is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 3 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are ovate and the flowers are white with a red center. The plant blooms from June to July.

How to Grow Hydrangea Macrophylla Ayesha - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Seven-son flower
  • Chinese hibiscus
  • Tree hibiscus
  • Swamp hibiscus
  • Hardenbergia

Basic info

  • Hydrangea macrophylla Ayesha is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan.
  • It grows to be about 3-4 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.
  • The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and dark green.
  • The flowers are white, spherical, and about 4 inches in diameter.
  • The blooming period is from late spring to early summer.
  • The flowers are followed by seed pods that are about 2 inches long.
  • The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is relatively disease and pest resistant.
  • It can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For hydrangea macrophylla ayesha, first step is to find a location where the plant will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining.
  2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or debris. loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm).
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Fill the hole with soil, tamping it lightly as you go.
  6. Water the plant deeply, using a watering can or hose fitted with a sprinkler attachment.
  7. Spread a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to pile the mulch up against the stem.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and encourage new growth.
  10. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Arborescens Grandiflora

The Soil

About soil condition, Hydrangea macrophylla Ayesha requires acidic soil for best growth and blooming. The ideal soil pH is 5.5 to 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the flowers will be smaller and the plant won't bloom as well.

Light requirement

Like the other Hydrangea Macrophylla, the Ayesha variety thrives in full sun to partial sun. It needs at least four to six hours of sun each day to produce the largest, most vibrant blooms. If your plant isn't getting enough sun, you'll notice the flowers beginning to fade in color and the plant itself may become leggy.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' is best between 60-70 degrees F. They can tolerate a range of temperatures, but will not do well if it is too cold or too hot. They need a good amount of moisture, so make sure to water them regularly.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will droop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and the flowers will fall off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a balanced fertilizer applied monthly. It's best to apply the fertilizer slightly away from the root zone and to avoid getting any on the leaves, as this can burn them. Regarding the roots, this plant does best in moist, well-drained soil. It's important to keep the root zone moist, but not soggy, as this can lead to root rot.

About light

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for your Hydrangea macrophylla Ayesha. This plant blooms on old wood, so it is important to prune immediately after flowering. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Cut back the stems by about one-third to one-half their length. This will encourage new growth and more flowers.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done via rooting stem cuttings taken from the desired plant. The stem should be cut just below a leaf node and placed in a well-draining propagating mix. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a pot or into the ground.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. They can also have a rapid growth spurt during the spring. rapid growth usually is during the first three years. After that, the growth rate starts to taper off a bit. The height and spread of the hydrangeas macrophylla ayesha can be as much as 6 feet.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, and wilting. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or blackish spot that appears on the leaves of the plant. Rust is a red or orange powdery substance that appears on the leaves of the plant. Wilting is when the leaves of the plant droop or sag.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your plant regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  • fertilizer your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Be sure to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
  • Prune back your plant in late winter or early spring.
  • Bring your plant indoors during the winter months.
  • When repotting, use a slightly larger pot to give your plant room to grow.
  • Try to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
  • If you see any pests, such as aphids, on your plant, be sure to remove them promptly.
  • With proper care, your plant should thrive and produce an abundance of beautiful blooms!

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Source:
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) | Greenhouse Horticulture
Species: Hydrangea macrophylla - Cornell University
Hydrangea Care - University of Illinois Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category