Mini penny hydrangea is a slow-growing, compact plant that is perfect for small gardens or as a border plant. It has deep green leaves and produces beautiful white or pink flowers in the summer.
Related plant:
Mini Hedge Trimmer
Related plant:
Miniature Butterfly Bush
About soil condition, mini penny hydrangea prefers well-drained soils, and they are not too particular about soil type as long as it is not poorly drained. They will grow in sun or part shade, and the flowers will be pink in full sun and lavender in part shade.
Like the other hydrangeas, mini penny hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) require at least six hours of sun per day to produce the best flowers. However, they will still bloom in partial shade. If you live in an area with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help keep the plants from wilting.
The temperature condition that is ideal for mini penny hydrangeas is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures, but anything outside of that range can cause stress to the plant. Too much heat can cause the leaves to wilt, while too much cold can cause them to turn brown and drop off.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%, which can be maintain by placing the plant in a well-ventilated room or terrace. It is also essential to water the plant regularly, at least once a week during the summer months and every two weeks during the winter months. Too much humidity can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.
For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a light hand. Too much fertilizer will result in more leaves and fewer flowers. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before the plant begins to bloom. A light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is all that is needed. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which will last for several months. As for the roots, they are very sensitive to excessive moisture. The plant does best in well-drained soil that is not too wet. If the roots are too wet, they will rot. If the soil is too dry, the plant will not bloom.
Pruning a mini penny hydrangea is a simple task that can be done in just a few minutes. First, identify the areas of the plant that you wish to prune. Next, using sharp pruning shears, make clean cuts at the desired locations. Finally, remove any dead or dying leaves or stems from the plant.
Propagation is easy with mini penny hydrangeas. Simply take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall and root them in a pot of soil. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot until new growth appears, then move it to a spot with bright, indirect light. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted to the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about one foot per year. Some may grow a little faster or slower depending on the conditions they are in. But, on average, they will add about twelve inches to their height each year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root and foliar diseases. Root diseases are caused by too much moisture in the soil, which can lead to fungal or bacterial growth. Foliar diseases are usually caused by pests or pathogens that attack the leaves. These diseases can cause the leaves to yellow, warp, or fall off the plant.
Source:
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the
Hydrangea Care - University of Illinois Extension