Hydrangeas(Hydrangea) are one of the most loved garden shrubs, producing beautiful flowers. The flowers, however, will not develop so well if we do not provide the plant with the right amount of nutrients. That is why it is so importantfertilizing hydrangeasSee how to properly fertilize hydrangeas andwhat kind of hydrangea fertilizerto choose so that these shrubs bloom abundantly and grow he althily!
How, when and with what to fertilize hydrangeas?
Selectedhydrangea fertilizer may affect the intensity of flowering , the obtained color of hydrangea flowers or the condition in which the plant winters.In gardening stores there is a very large selection of hydrangea fertilizers, differing in the method of application and the effects they allow to obtain. Honestly, there are so many of them that it's hard to tell.So what kind of fertilizer for hydrangeas will be the best ?
First of all, we must distinguish between organic (natural) fertilizers and mineral fertilizers (granulated, liquid or gel).
The basis for fertilizing hydrangeas should be organic fertilizers , such as:
- compost (self-obtained from crop residues or ready-made granular compost bought at a garden store)
- manure (must not be fresh, it must be well-composted manure or ready-made granulated manure sold in garden stores)
- biohumus (liquid fertilizer based on earthworm faeces).
Compost and manure are applied by sprinkling hydrangeas under the bushesand mixing them with the top layer of earth, but gentle enough not to damage the plant roots. Biohumus is diluted with water and watered plants
Usually, however, the amount of minerals in organic fertilizers turns out to be insufficient and,if you want to have really nicely colored and abundantly flowering hydrangeas, you also need to reach for mineral fertilizers .
Fertilizers for hydrangeas - liquid and granular
Fig. Target
For the fertilization of hydrangeas, it is best to use specialized mineral fertilizers with a composition appropriately suited to the needs of these shrubsAnd do not use universal fertilizers, because they contain calcium, which causes chlorosis in hydrangeas, and thus the same yellowing of the leaves. However, fertilizers for rhododendrons and other heather plants can be used to fertilize hydrangeas.
Mineral fertilizers for hydrangeascan be divided into 2 basic groups:
These fertilizers are sprinkled under the bush from April to August, giving a dose of fertilizer every 4 weeks. An example of a fertilizer from this group is the Target hydrangea fertilizer with microelements.
In this group, it is also worth mentioning granular fertilizers with slow action, such as 100-day fertilizer for hydrangeas with Substral acidifier, which release nutrients for over 3 months. In this case, one dose of fertilizer sprinkled under the bush in the spring is enough for the entire gardening season. This makes it very easy to fertilize hydrangeas.
Moreover, the above-mentioned hydrangea fertilizer with Substral acidifier contains two products in one package. As hydrangeas grow better on acidic or slightly acidic soils,an acidifier has been added to the fertilizer, which ensures optimal soil pH for the hydrangeaThanks to this, the fertilizer components are better absorbed by the plant.The fertilizer is highly efficient and the plant blooms profusely and abundantly. If you are looking forfertilizer for problem-free and the easiest possible fertilization of hydrangeas, Substral's offer will be perfect here
2. Liquid and water-soluble hydrangea fertilizers
These types of fertilizers are used after dilution with irrigation water. The ingredients of these fertilizers are quickly absorbed by plants, so they are suitable for intervention fertilization, after noticing symptoms of mineral deficiencies (e.g.when hydrangea bushes bloom poorly and their leaves develop less well and lose their intense green color ). Many of them can also be applied by foliar spraying. Liquid fertilizers are also greatfor fertilizing hydrangeas grown in containersThis group includes, among others Florovit for hydrangeas, Target for hydrangeas Bouquets of flowers with microelements, Agrecol Fertilizer for hydrangeas, Substral Magical Strength for hydrangeas.
Recently,fertilizers have become more and more fashionable, the task of which is to better color the flowers of hydrangeas . These are color fertilizers:
- Agrecol Blue Hydrangea dyeing fertilizer, Biopon Blue Hydrangea, Intensive color fertilizer for Target blue hydrangeas, which cause pink hydrangeas to turn blue
- Fertilizers that enhance the color of pink and red hydrangeas, such as Biopon Pink and red hydrangeas.
Remember, however, thatin the case of many varieties of hydrangeas, the color of flowers is simply a feature of a given variety and it is not worth changing the color by force using fertilizationUsually, using appropriate fertilization, you can change the color of hydrangea flowers from blue to pink (for this purpose the soil pH is raised, i.e. the use of deacidifying fertilizers) or vice versa - from pink to blue (for this purpose the soil must be acidified, i.e. its pH lowered).However, the color of flowers in white-flowered hydrangeas cannot be changed.
It is also worth mentioninggel fertilizers for hydrangeas(e.g. BIOPON hydrangea gel, Agrecol Mineral hydrangea gel), which, thanks to their thick consistency, are more efficient and have a richer formula than standard liquid preparations. These fertilizers are a novelty that has not yet been well tested by gardeners. Time will tell if they work as well as their producers declare, and whether it is worth paying more for them.
When and how often to fertilize hydrangeas?
The fertilization of hydrangeas should be started in early spring(March-April) and continued throughout the flowering period. During the period of intensive growth and flowering (spring-summer), hydrangeas are fertilized once every 1-2 weeks with liquid fertilizers or once every 1-2 months with granulated fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers and organic fertilizers are given to hydrangeas once in early spring.
Fertilizing hydrangeas with mineral fertilizers with the addition of nitrogen, which stimulates plants to grow, must be completed at the end of August . In this way, we will make it easier for the shrubs to prepare for winter rest.
In late autumn, it is worth applying organic fertilization, using - manure or compost.Fall fertilizers with phosphorus-potassium(nitrogen-free) can also be used from the end of August to October. They support the formation of flower buds for the next year and strengthen the frost resistance of plants. As there are no autumn fertilizers on sale, typically intended for hydrangeas, you can choose an autumn fertilizer for ornamental plants.
How to dose hydrangea fertilizers?
He althy-growing hydrangeas do not require heavy fertilizationThese shrubs need only fertilizing with compost every year. However, when there is a clear need to feed hydrangeas, they need to be fertilized often, but in small doses. Too much fertilization will damage the bushes. Hydrangeas grown in containers are particularly sensitive to over-fertilizationIn the case of multi-component mineral fertilizers, the optimal dose of fertilizer per one hydrangea bush is usually 30-40 g of fertilizer (but always check the dosage indicated on the fertilizer packaging). Young bushes and hydrangeas growing in containers only need 1/3 of this dose!
Granulated fertilizers are mixed with the substrate (up to a depth of 20 cm) and mulch, and then intensively watered so that they can start working. Organic fertilizers, like granular fertilizers,are spread around the hydrangea bushes and mixed with the soil , taking care not to place them directly next to the stumps and shallow roots. Liquid concentrates and gel fertilizers are diluted in water according to the manufacturer's instructions given on the product label, and then the plants are watered with them or foliar spraying.
Good quality fertilizers for hydrangeascan be ordered in the shop of our guide. We guarantee attractive prices and fast delivery. To view the offer, press the button below.
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MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
