Hydrangeas are all-season showoffs

The big blooms of hydrangeas are now showing off in gardens and landscapes. Hydrangeas are no longer limited to the flower shades of white or green found in our grandma's garden. Over one hundred varieties now come in living colors, many changing colors with the seasons. Hydrangeas are stunning garden focal points, from the dwarf cultivar "Bobo" (2–3 feet in height), to "Limelight" (6–8 feet) to tree forms that reach 4-20 feet. They are vital pollinator plants as well, attracting butterflies and helpful insects, providing food sources for them while making gardens healthy. Most hydrangeas are easy to grow and provide excellent cut flowers, dried arrangements, and landscape features. One bonus is their long bloom season, late spring through fall. The winter character of dried blooms also gives nice contrast to the gray gloom and snow, while lasting to spring. No plant is pest-free; however, hydrangeas are relatively disease- and insect-resistant. Six species commonly grow well in Ohio, each with many varieties, sizes, bloom styles, and colors, making selection fun. Look for smooth (H. arborescens), oakleaf (H. quercifolium), bigleaf (H. macrophylla), mountain (H. serrata), climbing (H. anomala petiolaris) and panicle (H. paniculata). Local nurseries and garden centers have plants adapted to our winter hardiness zone. Hydrangeas can be the right plant in the right place. Best planted for sunny mornings and shady afternoons, they can tolerate a range of light and moisture. Some thrive in full sun like panicle hydrangeas, while oakleaf hydrangeas do well in dense shade. Check plant tags, research your yard locations and find the types suited for your soil. Proper soil conditions determine bloom color. A soil test is helpful to determine pH levels — low pH (acidic soils) produce blue blooms while pinks favor higher pH (more alkaline). Mixed colors and whites bloom in the middle pH ranges. Tree hydrangeas are grafted versions of the shrubs; both have common planting requirements except for the space needed for growth. Depending on the species, blooms may occur on new growth wood or old wood. Bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas are unique because they re-bloom in the same season, growing on both old and new wood. Spring fertilizer and weekly watering is essential for cultivating bloom growth. Because they are basically a woodland plant, hydrangeas that live in our yards may need us to provide the fertile and moist soil they need to thrive. Based on a soil test, bloom boosting fertilizer applied every couple of months can help extend blooms. Read labels for the amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in a specific fertilizer. Typically, hydrangeas thrive when fed an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 N-P-K or 12-4-8 N-P-K. To increase the size and quantity of hydrangea blooms, consider a fertilizer with more phosphorus. &emsp;&emsp; Tending to the garden brings you closer to Nature's beauty, not to mention you get to enjoy fresh air and exercise. Hydrangeas may take a little more effort, but it is worth it when you consider the benefits added to the neighborhood environment. Now is the time to look around, see the hydrangea blooms at a garden center and look for the right spots to add that color to your yard. Additional hydrangea information is available at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1263; https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/when-prune-hydrangeas-best-bloom; and https://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangeas Be sure to follow us on Facebook at "Master Gardeners of Hancock County Ohio" for information on upcoming events, classes and gardening tips. You can also call our "Ask a Master Gardener" phone line with any gardening questions at 419-422-3851. Brugeman is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, OSU graduate landscape architect, and retired Hancock Park District director.