August Plant Of The Month – Hydrangea macrophylla


Hydrangeas have been viewed as being a bit old fashioned.  However they are great plants to bring some colour in August when there is often a lull in the garden for flowers.  There is a large variety of cultivars available depending on what you want.  From the traditional large shrubs with pink or blue flowers to new smaller plants with varying coloured flowers, including white, and often with attractive stems.

Hydrangeas don’t like direct sun when it is at its hottest; so midday or early afternoon.  A spot in partial shade which does not become baked is where they are happiest.  A good layer of mulch in the Spring whilst the ground is still damp helps them cope if the summer is particularly hot or dry.  They are not great in drought conditions and may need the occasional can of water if they really droop.

The flower heads are best left on over the winter once they have died as they help protect the new buds from frosts.  In mid-Spring cut them back to the 1st or 2nd healthy pair of buds below the flower.  At the same time remove any dead or diseased wood as near to the ground as possible.

An easy to care for shrub for some late summer colour.

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