How to Grow Hydrangea Preziosa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hydrangea preziosa 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.

How to Grow Hydrangea Preziosa - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Seven-son flower
  • Early blue hydrangea
  • French hydrangea
  • Lacecap hydrangea
  • Mountain hydrangea

Good to Know

  • Hydrangea preziosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Japan.
  • It is a deciduous shrub growing to 5 m (8 ft) tall and wide, with opposite, ovate leaves 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long and 5–10 cm (2–4 in) broad.
  • The flowers are white, pink or purple, 6–8 cm (4–1 in) diameter, with four or five petals.
  • The fruit is a small, dry, brown capsule containing four seeds.
  • Hydrangea preziosa is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  • It is commonly known as the precious hydrangea or lacecap hydrangea.
  • The specific epithet preziosa refers to the showy flowers.
  • Hydrangea preziosa is sometimes confused with the closely related Hydrangea macrophylla.
  • It is also used as a traditional medicine in Japan.
  • Hydrangea preziosa is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For hydrangea preziosa, first step is to check the soil in your garden and see if it is well-draining. If not, amend it accordingly.
  2. Choose a planting location that receives partial sun to full sun.
  3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the hydrangea preziosa's root ball.
  4. Once the hole is dug, loosen the roots around the root ball.
  5. Place the hydrangea preziosa in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  6. Tamp down the soil lightly.
  7. Water the plant generously.
  8. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  9. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
  10. Prune the plant as needed to shape it.

Related plant:
Bloom Struck Hydrangea

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Hydrangea preziosa prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0 to 7.5). It also needs well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils. For best results, incorporate some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the planting bed before planting.

Light condition

So, like the other hydrangea species, the Preziosa prefers sun-dappled conditions and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate partial shade, but may not produce as many flowers. Morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal. It's a good idea to provide some shelter from strong winds, which can damage the large flower clusters.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for the Hydrangea preziosa is that it should be in a range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer moist soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. They also like a lot of sun, but can tolerate some shade.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. However, the plant can tolerate a range of humidity levels, as long as it is not too extreme. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and if the air is too wet, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. An ideal fertilizer mix would be something like 6-10-10 or 8-8-8. This plant is also quite tolerant of poor soil, so you don't need to be too concerned about perfect nutrients. As long as the soil is well-draining, the plant should be just fine. As for watering, the plant prefers evenly moist soil, but it is quite tolerant of occasional dry spells. It is important to not let the soil get too soggy, as this can lead to problems with the roots. An easy way to check the soil moisture is to stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry at that point, it is time to water.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of hydrangea care. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and to keep the plant looking its best. The best time to prune your hydrangea is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer, or by seed in spring. The base of the cutting should be just below a leaf node, and the cutting should have at least two sets of leaves. The cutting should be placed in a propagator or equivalent with bottom heat at a temperature of 21-24°C (70-75°F) until rooting has taken place, which should be in 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 to 2 inches per week. This rate can be increased with proper care and nutrients. To ensure optimal growth, it is important to water the plant regularly and apply a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and disease. pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars can cause damage to the leaves, while diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can cause the leaves to discolor and fall off.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your hydrangea preziosa in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to plant your hydrangea preziosa in an area that gets some afternoon shade.
  • Hydrangea preziosa prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is best to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  • Hydrangea preziosa are tolerant of most soil types except for very sandy soils.
  • Make sure to keep your hydrangea preziosa watered during dry spells, especially during the first growing season.
  • Hyderangea preziosa are generally pest and disease free.
  • In late spring or early summer, fertilize your hydrangea preziosa with a balanced fertilizer.

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Source:
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the …

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Shrubs Category