Zebra hydrangea 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 zebra hydrangea are elliptical in shape and are green in color. The flowers of the zebra hydrangea are white and they have a greenish-yellow center. The flowers of the zebra hydrangea bloom from June to July.
About soil condition, the zebra hydrangea prefers humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soils. It also grows in sandy or clay soils as long as they are not allowed to dry out. The plant does not tolerate wet or waterlogged soils. For best results, provide partial to full sun and average to consistent moisture.
Just like other hydrangeas, zebra hydrangeas need at least 4 hours of sun per day in order to thrive. They will do best in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, or vice versa. If you live in a hot climate, it's best to give them some protection from the hottest hours of the day.
The temperature condition of the zebra hydrangea is that it prefers slightly cooler temperatures than other hydrangeas. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will cause the leaves to turn yellow. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will not tolerate drought conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will turn brown and fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant needs a lot of phosphorus for good flowering, so a fertilizer high in phosphorus is recommended. Although it's possible to get by with less fertilizer, too much will cause the leaves to become yellow and the plant to become stunted. An all-purpose fertilizer is fine, as long as it contains enough phosphorus. For best results, use a fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas.
Pruning your zebra hydrangea (H. macrophylla) is essential to keeping it looking its best. You should prune your plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Then, cut back the remaining branches by about one-third their total length. This will encourage new growth and help keep your plant compact.
Propagation is best accomplished by taking firm, young stem cuttings in late summer or early fall. Select a stem that has recently flowered and cut it just below a leaf node using a sharp knife or pruning shears. The cutting should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and Dip the end of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting, hormone side down, into a well-drained soil mix. Firm the mix around the cutting and water well. Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Rooting should occur in four to six weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. Zebra hydrangeas are fast growers and can reach their full potential size in just a few years. However, some zebra hydrangeas can grow much faster, reaching up to 3 or 4 feet per year. Most zebra hydrangeas will eventually reach a height of 6 to 8 feet.
Common problems for this kind of plant are rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide. If the plant is too dry, it will also drop its leaves.Zebra hydrangea should be grown in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant once established.
Source:
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Hydrangea Care - University of Illinois Extension
Growing Hydrangeas - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the
