Culture and Care
Hydrangea Macrophylla differs from other types of Hydrangeas in two major ways.
1) Macrophylla tends to grow ball shaped flowers which are either blue or pink depending on the soil pH. If the pH of the soil is below 5.5 the flower tends to be blue. If soil pH is higher, they will be pink although some cultivars will retain their original color irrespective of soil pH. Soil pH can be changed (lowered) using aluminum sulfate which is available in garden centers. If you want pink flowers, add lime instead.
2) Next year's buds are formed shortly after blooming this season; much like rhododendron. Any pruning should therefore be done right after flowering to avoid removing next year's flowers. It also means that they may need additional protection in garden zones 6 and below where the cold winter temperatures can kill the tender buds.
More shrubs
Hydrangea Macrophylla are relatively easy to propagate. Two methods are very common: simple layering or softwood cuttings. Simple layering is usually done in mid summer and is the easiest way, but is difficult to do if your goal is many plants.
Two Methods:
Layering:
Simply bend one of the younger branches to the ground and remove the leaves where the branch touches the ground. Cover with soil and place a brick on top. In one season the hydrangea should be rooted. Best time to do this is mid summer. Next year, the cutting can be seperated from the mother plant and transplanted.
Softwood Cutting:
Softwood cuttings, or tip cuttings are also very easy and although slightly more work is involved, this procedure is within reach of most novice gardeners.
This procedure is extremely useful if you want to produce more than a few plants per year.
Tools required:
- A number of 6" round pots
- Potting soil
- A garden scissor
- Plastic wrap and rubber bands
- A pencil
1. In midsummer, right after flowering, prune back the stems of the bush, or remove a few stems all the way to the ground. These stems can be cut into a number of smaller pieces as long as each piece has 2-4 leaves (buds). From a medium sized bush, you can typically get 3-4 stems without damaging the look of the bush, and that should give you 10-15 cuttings minimum.
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