A Few Hints On HYDRANGEAS.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29145, 4 March 1960, Page 7

A Few Hints On HYDRANGEAS.

Hydrangeas bloom during the latter part of summer and early autumn, and are a valuable asset to the outdoor garden, for they remain in bloom for several weeks, and it is very seldom that they fail to flower well. They are not difficult to grow provided they are given good soil; in poor ground they quickly deteriorate. They can be increased by cuttings of soft shoots inserted in sandy soil in a greenhouse, shaded frame, or outside if attention is given to them. In Canterbury, colours are best developed when planted on the south or western exposure. A curious fact is that plants growing in soil containing iron usually bear blue flowers, and hence to obtain this result old nails are often buried among the soil about the roots. A watering with joz sulphate of iron in two gallons of water will produce the same effect. There are now, however, varieties that have pure white, light to dark blue and pink to deep red flowers. Some are exceptionally good, but the colours are far from constant when planted out. Grown as pot plants they retain their colour much better. At the same time these new varieties are worth attention and no doubt there will be varieties raised that will retain their deep colouring when planted out. The blue however, can always be intensified by the iron treatment. When pruning do not cut back too hard, but remove some of the old wood so as to allow the young growths room to grow. When the flower heads begin to turn rusty, if they are cut off with one or two tiers of leaves it will usually be quite sufficient pruning.