Hydrangea macrophylla Red Emperor

Origins – Hydrangeas naturally occur in North and South America, China, Japan, Himalayas, and the Philippines. The name Hydrangea comes from Hydra meaning water, and Agos meaning a vessel referring to a cup shaped seed head.

Plant Spacing – Plant at least 1 metre apart, and better at 1.5 metres apart.

Soil Requirements – Hydrangeas like a free draining organically rich loam. The soil should be loose and friable around a newly planted plant. Avoid sand and clay.

Fertilizer – Quality topsoil is naturally slightly acidic and no fertilizer should be required. To make flowers pinker add a small amount of lime to the soil surface. To make flowers go bluer add a small amount of aluminum sulphate to the soil surface. If fertilizer is used a small amount occasionally to the soil surface is preferred to a lot at once.

Watering – Hydrangeas do not need watering once established and are mostly drought tolerant. If watering is done after planting, water only occasionally as excessive watering may cause root damage.

Wind – Hydrangeas are tolerant of windy conditions and tolerant of semi coastal environments.

Pruning – It is not essential for Hydrangeas to be pruned. When it is done pruning consists of removing old flower stems and pruning stems back to 2 buds.

Pests and Diseases – Hydrangeas might get a bit of leaf spot, especially in humid conditions. The solution if required is to spray occasionally with a mild fungicide, or wait until leaf drop in winter when most hydrangeas clean themselves.

Tub Plants and Cut Flowers – Hydrangeas can be used as a tub plant and as a cut flower. Flowers form on previous seasons stems, and pruning may reduce new seasons flowers. Flower types are mopheads, lacecaps and pannicles.

Where do hydrangeas come from?
https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/growingflowers/flowersandseasons/hydrangea

Planting Hydrangeas
https://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangeas

General Hydrangea care
https://www.waysidegardens.com/hydrangea-care-guide/a/324/

Why won’t my Hydrangea bloom?
http://www.millionplants.com/advice/wont-hydrangea-bloom/

What is the best fertilizer for Hydrangeas?
http://www.endlesssummerblooms.com/design-and-grow/planting-and-care

Are you supposed to cut back Hydrangeas?
https://www.finegardening.com/article/pruning-hydrangeas

Do you need to dead head Hydrangeas?
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/deadheading-a-hydrangea.htm

What fertilizer to use for blue Hydrangeas?
https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/growing-blue-hydrangeas/8609.html

How do I make my Hydrangeas blue?
https://www.gardenista.com/posts/magic-trick-how-to-make-your-hydrangea-change-color/