May Plant of the Month Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are always a big hit for Mother's Day. That's why they're our Plant of the Month for May! We just got a brand new shipment of hydrangeas from Monrovia including exciting new varieties like Cityline Venice and Let's Dance Moonlight. We also have the very popular Endless Summer variety and a few others. A lot of folks think that hydrangeas are hard to grow, but it's really not the case. There are, however, a few important things to remember when planting hydrangeas. These deciduous shrubs are known for their large clusters of flowers that can appear in spring time up to fall, depending on variety. Hydrangeas come in many sizes and even their leaves and types of flowers vary. In general, they will grow around 3-5 feet in height and about the same in width. Hydrangeas make excellent cut flowers and can also be dried. They also prefer a moist, acidic soil. I bet you're thinking, "Oh great, something I have to baby. It's way too hot here!" Now, hold on there. Here's the thing; they won't need to be fussed over as much as long as you're planting in an appropriate location. They should be planted in a shady spot. They can handle a little morning sun, indirect light or dappled sun throughout the day. Just make sure to keep them out of the hot afternoon sun! If you've got shade, chances are that it stays a little more moist in that area of the yard anyway. TA-DA! A perfect place for a hydrangea. Of course, that doesn't mean you can go forgetting about them. You will have to keep them regularly watered! "But what about the acidity? San Antonio has alkaline soil, right?" Right. BUT here's the truth. You only really need an acidic soil if you want your hydrangea to be blue. The more acidic the soil, the better the blue color. The more alkaline, you get pink blooms! (Keep in mind that only some varieties, such as the Endless Summer, have the ability to adjust their color.) It is possible to adjust your soil's pH with a soil acidifier such as Aluminum Sulphate or Miracid. The problem is that it's not always easy to keep a large area of soil acidified over time. You will have to use an acidifier several times per year. If you've really got your heart set on a blue hydrangea, consider growing one in a container. It is much easier to control the acidity of soil in a container than in the ground. Besides, hydrangeas make great container plants and can be combined with other shade lovers to make a beautiful summer planter!
