The key to success in the cultivation of hydrangeasis not only the right choice of species and cultivar and not too sunny planting stand, but also the preparation of the right soil. The wrong choice of substrate clearly affects the he alth and appearance of the hydrangea. Seewhat is the best soil for hydrangeasand what to do if we don't have one in the garden. Here's all about thesoil requirements for hydrangeas , recommended properties and soil pH for hydrangeas!
What soil for hydrangeas will ensure abundant flowering?
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How to prepare the soil for hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas should be grown in light, fertile soil, rich in humus and nutrients . Additionally, the soil for hydrangeas should be constantly moderately moist, well-drained and well-drained.
The best for hydrangeas are sandy loam soils that do not accumulate excess water and are well aeratedOn clay and impermeable substrates, after prolonged rainfall and spring thaws, water stays in the hydrangea root zone, which quickly leads to rotting of the roots and the death of entire shrubs. On very permeable soils, the hydrangea roots are not threatened with rotting, but the moisture penetrates too quickly into the deeper layers of the earth, inaccessible to the hydrangea root system.
It should be noted, however, thatthe soil requirements of the various hydrangea species differ slightlyThe above-described soil requirements apply in particular to the garden hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) and the sawn hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata), which they are very sensitive both to heavy and catchment soils, and too light and barren. The most tolerant species is the shrub hydrangea(Hydrangea arborescens) which accepts all types of soil including barren and calcareous soils.
It is known that the ideal soil conditions for hydrangeas do not exist in every garden. Therefore,in the place where we plan to grow hydrangea, the soil will require preparationCompact soils will need to be loosened with gravel, peat or pine bark, and too light and poor in nutrients - enrichment with compost or manure. An easier solution is to use a substrate for heather plants during planting, which also meets the requirements of hydrangeas. Soas a soil for hydrangeas, we can usee.g. soil for azaleas and rhododendrons.
What soil pH for hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas grow best on acidic or slightly acidic soils, i.e. with a pH in the range 4.5 - 6.5Hydrangeas grow and develop properly in these ranges.In soils with a pH of 6.5 and above, yellowing (chlorosis), drying out and falling leaves appear. This is because plants are not able to take iron, manganese and aluminum from the substrate under such conditions.
If we wantto obtain the appropriate color of the flowers of certain varieties of hydrangeas , then they need to be provided with a substrate with a very strictly defined pH. Varieties with pink and red flowers should be provided with a substrate with a pH in the range of 5.5 - 6.0, and for varieties with blue flowers, a substrate with a pH in the range of 4.5 - 5.0.
Too high a soil pH in the garden, before planting hydrangeas, should be lowered to an optimal level. For this purpose, high peat, composted pine bark, sawdust and physiologically acidic fertilizers such as ammonium sulphate, potassium sulphate and urea are used.The perfect product for acidifying the soil for hydrangeasplanted in the garden will also be an acidifier pH substrate - and a specialist fertilizer for hydrangeas with an acidifier.
The amount of fertilizer needed to lower the pH of the soil depends on its initial pH and soil composition. The pH of the soil in the garden can be checked with a soil or electronic acid meter, and in order to obtain a more accurate and reliable test result, it is worth sending a soil sample to a specialized laboratory.
What soil for potted hydrangeas?
The soil requirements of potted hydrangeasdo not differ significantly from those of soil-grown hydrangeas. The best substrate for hydrangea in a pot is a peat substrate mixed with pine bark in a 1: 1 ratio, additionally enriched with multi-component, long-acting mineral fertilizer or compost. The soil requirements of hydrangeas grown in containers will also be perfectly met by a specialized substrate for heather plants. It is recommended to add TerraCottem to the soil in the pot (it contains a hydrogel that prevents the soil in the pot from drying out quickly).Thanks to this, hydrangeas will not feel the shoulder of water during periods of drought or too little watering.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
