Hydrangea

Water:   Soil should be kept evenly moist, not soggy, at all times. Soil needs to be well drained.

Light:   Bright diffused light. Bright light location is preferred. Part sun but can grow in full sun.

Temperature:   Santa Maria's Climate is perfect for Hydrangea. Moderate - Prefers 65F-70F degrees in the day and 60F-65F degrees at night.

Tips:   The showy hydrangea is available from March through May. Hydrangea plants bloom in huge balls which are composes on many small flowers. The composite blooms look like one very large bloom. Blossoms will last from 1-3 weeks with proper care. The plant is very sensitive to wilting. Soil that is too alkaline causes yellow leaves. Blue hydrangeas are produced by adding iron or aluminum sulfate to the medium. Soil pH levels are also important in determining flower color. Pink blooms a soil pH of 6.0 and blue blooms a soil pH of 5.5. The blooms of blue hydrangeas will revert to pink if the ph level of the soil changes.

Buying Tips:   Buy when 65 to 75 percent of the bracts are fully colored.

Tips:   Under natural growing conditions, blue-flowering plants revert to pink. Cool night temperatures (50F-60F degrees) help extend the blooming period.

Bloom Life:   The bloom cycle is from two to four weeks.

Problems:   Watch for aphids and spider mites. Yellow leaves indicate calcified water.