When In New Zealand Should I Plant Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are a versatile plant that can be planted in New Zealand from September to November, March to May, or December to February. They can be grown all year round, but they are best planted during spring and autumn when the soil is moist. To plant hydrangeas in New Zealand, choose a shady or partially shaded spot, prepare the soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets, and add a layer of rose and shrub mix.

To grow hydrangeas in a garden, choose a part shade position with well-drained soil, with morning sun being best for warmer and drier regions. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food, and if the soil is clay, add a layer of rose and shrub mix.

Size and shape are important factors when planting hydrangeas. Take 10cm soft-tip cuttings in October/November, dip them in suitable cutting gel, place them in a pot of propagating mix, and keep them moist in a warm shady spot. Hydrangeas require minimal care, so keep them watered over summer, use a general garden fertiliser in late autumn, and prune back to around half size in autumn.

To grow hydrangeas in a pot, choose a pot at least 350-500mm wide, position it in part shade, and fill it with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium. Late summer is one of the best times to plant hydrangeas, as they can make the most of their colors while they are still in bloom.

What month is best to plant hydrangeas?

Planting hydrangeas in the Southeast is best done in the fall due to less harsh conditions and the absence of leaves. However, planting in early spring after the last frost can be challenging due to the tough growing conditions of the season. Hydrangeas need morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal blooming, but they will not tolerate hot afternoon sun. To ensure the best planting location, watch your landscape for a few days to ensure the area receives shade during the hottest part of the day.

It is essential to keep hydrangeas well-watered throughout the season, as they need to endure the toughest growing conditions. Overall, planting hydrangeas in the fall is a wise decision for optimal growth and health.

How do you get blue hydrangeas NZ?

To test the pH of your soil, use a soil pH kit from your local hardware or garden center. Acidic soil produces blue or lavender-blue hydrangea blooms, while alkaline soil promotes pinks and reds. A pH between 6 and 7 turns blooms purple or bluish-pink. To adjust the pH, add garden sulphur or aluminium sulphate, or use lime to raise it. Applying sulphur or lime multiple times may be necessary to change the pH enough to change the color of your hydrangea. Early pH changes allow time for desired color changes during summer flowering.

Do hydrangeas grow best in sun or shade?

Hydrangeas, commonly known as hydrangeas, prefer partial sun locations, receiving sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. The Endless Summer® Hydrangea series, such as BloomStruck®, Endless Summer®, Blushing Bride®, and Twist-n-Shout®, prefer part shade. Smooth hydrangeas like the Annabelle Hydrangea also require some shade from the afternoon sun. Bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as hydrangea macrophylla, prefer some shade, especially during the afternoon. For best flowering, big leaf hydrangeas like Nikko Blue and Glowing Embers should get some sun.

Planting hydrangeas in a spot with good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade is essential. Most hydrangeas bloom in spring and summer, and can reach heights of 15 feet or higher. They can be grown in pots to decorate patios, apartment balconies, or as a hedge or privacy screen.

Panicle hydrangeas like Fire Light®, Limelight, Pinky Winky®, Strawberry Sundae®, and Vanilla Strawberry® can thrive in full sun. The new reblooming dwarf series, Let’s Dance®, and dwarf big leaf series, Cityline®, grow best in full or part sun. Newer smooth hydrangea varieties, Incrediball®, and Invincibelle® Ruby, are also recommended for full or part sun.

Where do hydrangeas grow best?

Hydrangeas are best planted in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade, with mature sizes and ample room for growth. They should be planted in areas with excellent drainage and composted soil. Avoid planting under trees, as root competition and lack of sunlight can hinder their growth. Plant hydrangeas in exposed areas with gusty winds. To start, amend the soil with organic matter and an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer. Plant slightly higher than in the nursery container, with a planting hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball.

Gently loosen potbound roots before planting, backfill with amended soil, and water well. Space hydrangeas at least 3 feet apart for larger varieties. For pot planting, use bagged potting mix instead of garden soil, mix in slow-release fertilizer, leave 1 to 2 inches between the soil and pot rim, and ensure pots have drainage holes and room for plant growth.

Should hydrangeas be cut back every year?

Hydrangea pruning depends on the type of plant and can be done by removing dead branches and deadheading spent blooms. If pruning is necessary, it depends on whether the plant blooms on old or new wood. Old wood hydrangeas have buds being formed, and pruning them too late may result in no flowers next spring. Therefore, it is recommended to prune these shrubs immediately after their flowers fade, as they are growing too large or unruly.

What kind of hydrangeas are in New Zealand?

Hydrangeas, also known as Mop Head or Lace Cap, are a popular deciduous shrub in New Zealand. They come in various shades of white, cream, blue, and pink, with the blue and pink range depending on the soil type. These plants were once considered out of fashion but are now a popular export cut flower market item and have gained respect from a new generation of gardeners. They are easy to grow and adapt to most conditions, but perform best when given ample afternoon shade and water in hot and dry summers.

The name Hydrangea comes from the Greek words hydor (water) and aggos (jar). The Mophead Hydrangea is tall, tall, and produces large, rounded flower heads in white. It thrives in semi-shade conditions and is best grown in humus-rich soil that doesn’t completely dry out in summer. The mature size is 7-10 years (HxW) and measures 1. 5m x 1. 5m.

Can you grow hydrangeas from cuttings in NZ?

Pruning Hydrangea stems after flowering can occur anytime after mid-winter, but avoid pruning stems that have not produced any flower buds. Winter hardwood tip cuttings can propagate easily, and Yates Clonex Root Gel – Hard Wood Red can improve propagation success. Avoid planting in areas that attract afternoon sun as it may burn the leaves. Protea flowers are blooms with attitude, and they thrive in full sun and reasonable drainage. Azaleas, ranging from small, delicate shrubs in pots to hardy 1. 5m shrubs, are ideal for border planting and can be grown in various ways.

What month do you prune hydrangeas in NZ?

Hydrangeas can be pruned in autumn or early spring/late winter, with the fat flower buds developing around August/September. Deadhead in autumn and then prune back to a fat bud after frost threat has passed. Hydrangeas are ideal for picking and drying, as they hold their color well and are popular for bouquets. Picked in late summer to autumn, hang upside down in a dark room to prolong their color. Ensure air circulation and straight stems. After 2-4 weeks, you’ll have beautiful dried hydrangeas to enjoy.

What month do you propagate hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are woody-stemmed shrubs that root differently than non-woody, soft-stemmed plants, making them difficult to root in water. To optimize results, root them properly in potting mix. Professional growers use “softwood” cuttings, which root quickly and yield better results. Time propagation for late spring or early summer, when new stems first start to harden, between May and mid-July. This stage allows for vigorous growth and the use of a premium rooting hormone like GardenTech’s RootBoost™ Rooting Hormone.

To begin propagation, gather necessary tools, including a sharp, clean knife or pruners, a container with warm water, RootBoost TM Rooting Hormone, a planting tray or cup-like containers filled with moistened potting mix, a pencil-sized stick or garden dibble for planting holes, and plastic bags to form miniature greenhouses around the cuttings. This will help ensure efficient and clean cuttings for hydrangea propagation.

Do hydrangeas lose their leaves in winter in NZ?

When adding hydrangeas to your garden, consider the fact that they lose their leaves and flowers in winter. Place them in a bare spot and water them deeply to keep them thriving. Trim them back to healthy buds after losing their leaves to ensure another stunning season. Feed them Kings Fast Food Liquid Fertilizer or Kings Rose Food between early spring and early autumn for a boost. For blue or pink flowering hydrangeas, adjust the soil acidity to enhance their color by using aluminium sulphate to deepen blue hues and dolomite lime to intensify pinks.

When to plant hydrangeas in NZ?

It is recommended that hydrangeas be planted in late winter or early spring, when new plants are available from plant centers. It is recommended that only young, healthy plants with vigorous new shoots be selected, and that root-bound plants be avoided. The best available options should be carefully chosen.