Sweet summer hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that is native to Asia. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves are green and the flowers are white or pink. The flowers blooms in early summer and last until late summer.
Related plant:
Sweet Almond Bush
Related plant:
Summersweet Clethra
About soil condition, sweet summer hydrangea prefers acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It also requires well-drained soils to prevent the plant from being waterlogged and developing fungal diseases. Adding organic matter to the soil will improve its drainage while also providing nutrients for the plant.
Similar to other hydrangeas, the sweet summer hydrangea requires sun to thrive. Without proper sun exposure, the plant will not produce the vibrant flowers for which it is known. While the plant can tolerate some shade, it is best to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for the sweet summer hydrangea is fairly warm weather. This type of hydrangea does best in temperatures that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the sweet summer hydrangea will not bloom as well.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40%-50%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will suffer from dehydration and its leaves will droop. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be susceptible to fungal diseases.
For the fertilizer, this kind of plant requires the use of a balanced fertilizer that has an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. An all-purpose fertilizer will work just fine. For the roots, it is recommended that you use a soil that is well-draining to avoid the problem of root rot.
Pruning your sweet summer hydrangea is an important step in keeping your plant healthy and happy. By pruning away dead or dying branches, you allow new growth to flourish. This also allows air and light to reach the center of the plant, promoting overall health.
Propagation is best done in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take stem cuttings that are about 6 inches long and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot with moistened potting mix. Keep the pot in a bright, warm spot and wait for the cuttings to take root, which usually takes about four to six weeks. Once they have rooted, you can transplant them into your garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. However, the average growth rate for this plant is about 6 inches per year. Sweet summer hydrangea are known to grow in a wide range of soil types and moisture levels, making them relatively easy to care for. When provided with the proper growing conditions, sweet summer hydrangea can become quite large, with some specimens reaching up to 8 feet in height.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by too much water and not enough drainage. This can be fixed by planting the shrub in a well-drained area. Powdery mildew is caused by too little sunlight and too much humidity. This can be fixed by planting the shrub in a sunny area. Leaf spot is caused by too little water and not enough nutrients. This can be fixed by fertilizing the shrub.
Source:
Hydrangeas in the Garden - North Carolina State University
Plant Spotlight: Hydrangeas | North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the
