How To Maintain Hydrangeas (Mathilda Gutges)?

The Mathilda Gutges Bigleaf Hydrangea is a popular summer flowering shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and bloom from midsummer to fall. Introduced in Germany in the mid-1950s, these hydrangeas are suitable for pots, planters, and containers, as well as cottage core style gardens. They prefer good loamy soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged, and should be planted in a sheltered position against a wall.

To plant, prepare the area by conditioning the soil by loosening it and incorporating an organic soil conditioner according to directions. Dig a hole 2 times the width of the plant and choose a spot with partial shade and protection from the intense afternoon sun. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, shredded leaves, or Leaf-gro® to improve drainage and soil fertility.

Plant in moist, well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade, and provide shelter from drying winds. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant, add more soil mix if necessary after watering, and apply root stimulator to encourage new roots.

Place the plant in Miracle Grow potting soil with an automatic drip irrigation system. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent overwatering, which is the number one killer of houseplants.

Choose a location with partial sun and regular water, and ensure the soil is well-mulled (3-4 inches) and the soil is kept moist as constantly as possible. The plant’s bloom size is 6 to 8 inches, and its mature size is 5 x 5. Cut flower use is yes, and its fall color is no.

Why are my potted hydrangea flowers turning brown?

Watering hydrangeas is crucial to prevent their browning and weakening, as over or under-watering can cause them to deteriorate. Established plants should be watered thoroughly but less frequently to encourage drought-tolerant roots. For newly-planted hydrangeas, watering them up to three times a week is recommended to maintain soil moisture and prevent crisping of blooms. Over-fertilizing the soil with too much nitrogen and aluminum sulfate can weaken the plant and cause it to die.

To conserve moisture and keep the roots cool, add mulch before fertilizing. Regularly testing the pH levels of the soil is essential to determine the right fertilizer for hydrangeas. If you prefer to test your soil yourself, use a pH meter or soil test kit.

How do you keep hydrangeas flowers alive?

To arrange hydrangeas, start by filling a vase with lukewarm water, adding a floral preservative, and removing the leaves from the stems that will be submerged in water. This will prevent bacterial growth and ensure the flowers’ overall health. Leaves left in the water will decompose, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Removed leaves ensure efficient water absorption and longer freshness.

Next, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle under lukewarm running water or in a bowl of water. This technique increases the surface area for water uptake and prevents air bubbles from forming in the stem. An angled cut also prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water flow. This ensures the hydrangeas stay vibrant and beautiful while absorbing water efficiently.

Should I cut hydrangea blooms?

Deadhead hydrangeas throughout the blooming season to maintain their beauty and encourage new growth. Stop deadheading in mid to late fall, leaving spent blooms in place for winter interest and preventing removal of buds for next spring. Protect hydrangeas after blooming season by overwintering them in freezing temperatures with a 12-inch layer of mulch or bringing them into the garage or basement for winter months and lightly watering. This will help prevent removal of buds that will become flowers next spring.

What is the longest lasting hydrangea bloom?

The hydrangea family is known for their sun-loving, easy-to-care-for shrubs with giant football-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer and last into fall. They are reliable species, with smooth hydrangeas having large dome-shaped flowers that can weigh down weak branches. The latest hybridizations have improved on these weak branches, and these cultivars bloom in late spring and last into fall. To ensure strong stems, prune for new season’s wood while leaving old wood stems for support.

How do you care for a Mathilda Gutges hydrangea?

The Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mathilda Gutges’ is a species that exhibits optimal growth when cultivated in moist, well-drained soil in conditions of partial sunlight. The plant flowers on the previous season’s wood and can be maintained by cutting back to the first pair of buds in the spring. The plant exhibits attractive deep green foliage and produces large, rounded flower heads in soil with a neutral pH.

How do you prolong the life of hydrangeas?

Hydrogenated hydrangeas require cool water every other day, with fresh stems added and flower food or cane sugar added. Keep the arrangement out of direct sunlight. If flowers appear sad, soak the entire hydrangea in cool water for 45 minutes, shake off, cut the stem, and place it in water with flower food. This can revive the flowers and increase their shelf life. Hydrangeas should be cut back every winter before new growth begins, as pruning allows for maximum budding, bigger blooms, and shaping the plant. Without pruning, the shrub may appear tangled and messy, and stems may become heavy and woody, producing fewer buds.

How to keep hydrangeas happy?

Proper watering is crucial for hydrangeas to grow larger and better. Deeply water them several times per week to encourage deep root growth and keep leaves and flowers dry. Water in the morning helps reduce wilting during the heat of day. Keep the soil around hydrangeas moist between waterings, as bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water than other varieties. Adding mulch around the plant helps keep the soil moist and cool. To check if the soil is moist enough, stick a finger directly into the soil and check if it is damp at about one inch below the surface.

What color is Mathilda Gutges hydrangea?

Mathilda Gutges Hydrangea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a rounded form and bold blue flowers with pink overtones from early summer to early fall. Its dark green deciduous foliage is glossy and pointy, but does not develop any fall color. It requires occasional maintenance and pruning after flowering to avoid removing current season’s flowers. The shrub has no significant negative characteristics and can be distinguished from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

Should I cut of the dead flowers on my hydrangea?

While deadheading is beneficial for plants, it should be discontinued in mid to late fall to allow the blooms to remain intact throughout the winter season.

How do you revive a dying hydrangea?

To revive hydrangeas, it is recommended to water them again within a day or two. Alternatively, submerging the plant in water and allowing it to dry out, followed by rehydration the following day, may prove an effective method.