Hydrangea macrophylla or Hortensia

Care of the shrub Hydrangea macrophylla or Hortensia

The genus Hydrangea, family Hydrangeaceae, comprises 40 species of shrubs, trees and climbing plants native to Asia and America. Some species are: Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangea serratifolia, Hydrangea petiolaris.

Common name: French hydrangea, Florist's Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Lacecap hydrangea, Mophead hydrangea, Penny mac, Hortensia. This species is native to Japan.

They are deciduous shrubs branched from the base and with an open habit that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are opposite, of an intense green color, elliptical oval shape and with a dentate margin. The showy flowers appear in corymbs and can be red, pink, white or blue. They bloom in summer and early fall.

They are used to form bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in pots for patios, balconies and terraces. They are ideal for gardens by the sea.

The Hydrangea macrophylla needs a semi-shady exposure and protected from the cold. They resist occasional frosts.

The soil must not be calcareous; they prefer a light soil, well drained and containing abundant organic matter. They grow very well in siliceous soils.

Water frequently with lime-free water so that the substrate never dries out completely. They do not resist drought.

Fertilize with manure, peat and heather or chestnut soil in winter when they do not have leaves. Fertilize in summer every 3 weeks with mineral fertilizer. To get blue flowers there are products that must be applied once or twice a week a month before flowering.

Prune the stems that have flowered after the flowering has finished.

These plants have a tendency to chlorosis so it's advisable to add iron 2-3 times during flowering. The accumulation of water in the roots causes fungal diseases.

They are propagated by cuttings during the summer; use rooting hormones.