Hydrangea.

De un vistazo

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Deciduous shrub

Light

Partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 2 to 4 days

Mature size

1.5 to 2.5 meters

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to late summer

Cuidados

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watch for wilting during hot afternoons, which is a sign the plant needs more shade or water. Prune only after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds.

Watering

Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and once more in mid summer.

Pruning

Prune immediately after the flowers fade to protect developing buds.

Repotting

Repot when the roots have filled the container or the plant stops growing.

Soil

Rich, well-draining, organic soil

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Temperature

-15 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years.

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

low

Seguridad

People

All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal distress.

Pets

Hydrangeas are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Children

Keep this plant away from small children as the leaves and flowers are toxic if chewed or swallowed.

Contact allergens

Handling the foliage may cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is generally not considered a significant airborne allergen.

Edibility

Hydrangea leaves and buds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should never be consumed.

Cómo identificarla

• Large, serrated, ovate green leaves
• Showy, rounded flower clusters
• Woody, multi-stemmed shrub habit
• Opposite leaf arrangement on stems

Height

1 to 2.5m

Spread

1 to 2.5m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

blue, pink, white, purple, 10 to 25cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth appears on leaves due to poor air circulation or high humidity.
• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

cuttings, layering

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from temperature swings. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn to protect potential flower buds.

In containers

They grow well in large pots, provided the container is at least 15 inches wide and has excellent drainage.

Group plants with similar water needs to ensure the hydrangea does not dry out.

Buenas compañeras

• Hostas — They share similar requirements for shade and moisture.
• Ferns — Ferns provide a beautiful textural contrast in shade gardens.

Mantenla lejos de

• Sunflowers — They compete for water and require vastly different light levels.

Especies parecidas

• Viburnum — They share similar shrubby habits and showy flower clusters.

Ciencia

Family

Hydrangeaceae

Genus

Hydrangea

Order

Cornales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Primarily Eastern Asia and North America.

Conservation

Most common garden species are not of conservation concern, though some wild populations are protected.

Hydrangeas typically thrive in moist, shaded woodland environments where they can access consistent water.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, nesting habitat

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

ornamental shrub, cut flowers, dried arrangements

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Why are my hydrangeas not blooming?

They might have been pruned at the wrong time or suffered from late spring frost damage.

How do I make my flowers blue?

You need to increase soil acidity by adding aluminum sulfate or sulfur.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Hydrangea is derived from the Greek words hydro, meaning water, and angos, meaning vessel, referring to the seed capsules. It was named by botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius.

Bueno saberlo

• Hydrangeas have been cultivated for centuries in Japan.
• The name comes from the Greek words for water and vessel.
• Some species can produce both fertile and sterile flowers on the same bloom head.