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Shrubs, Vines, & Herbs
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1. Flower Color
In some Hydrangea varieties, blue flowers result from growing in acidic soil. Some produce
pink blossoms in alkaline soil. Varieties such as 'Merritt's Supreme' change from pink to deep
purple as they mature. The pH of your soil is the determining factor of Hydrangea flower color.
By creating an acidic soil condition, you can keep Hydrangeas such as 'Nikko Blue' a true
blue color or cause rose pink Hydrangea 'Kuhnert' to bloom blue or even lavender-blue. To
encourage pink and rose colors to become blue, lavender-blue or purple-blue, add
Grow More Bluing Fertilizer to your Hydrangeas in November and January. Follow product instructions.
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2. Exposure
Hydrangeas thrive in full sun in seaside/coastal gardens. Most Hydrangeas will be happy
with morning sun and afternoon shade. Hotter inland gardens require a very BRIGHT or
filtered LIGHT location for best blooming.
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3. Soil Conditions
Hydrangeas thrive in a moist, rich, loose-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Heavy
clay soils MUST be amended to meet these special needs.
Dig a hole 21/2 feet deep and 21/2 feet wide. Save ONLY the
BEST of your native soil (about 1/3 to 1/2 the volume of the hole).
Thoroughly mix Bandini Azalea / Camellia Mix into the saved soil.
Backfill planting hole with new mixture and place Hydrangea into the hole. Use remaining
mixture to fill in and around the new root ball.
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4. Watering
Always water your plant DEEPLY by applying a SLOW stream of water at the base of the
plant, thoroughly soaking it once a week. During hotter summer weather, you may need to
soak TWICE a week.
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5. Feeding
Hydrangeas are HEAVY, STEADY feeders. Top Hydrangea growers recommend
Mir Acid plant food. Once your plant "breaks" with new foliage after the fall pruning, start feeding with
Mir Acid mixed at HALF the recommended dilution rate
(1/2 tbsp. per gallon of water) every
two weeks until October 1st.
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6. Pruning
In November each year, it is necessary to prune
your Hydrangeas. This will REJUVENATE the plant
for lush foliage in spring and fabulous flowers in
summer and fall.
a. On established plants, look over each stem carefully.
b. Cut out 1/3 to 1/4 of "old" stems to within a few inches of the ground.
c. On remaining stems, cut old flower heads back to a strong pair of buds that are swollen into the shape of a flame.
d. Remove any WEAK or unproductive shoots.
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7. Drying Flowers
Pick flowers when petals begin to stiffen slightly. Place flowers stems in a bucket with 1 inch
of water. As water evaporates and stems draw up moisture, the flowers heads will open wider.
Remove wilted foliage.
For more compact dried blossoms, hang individual flower stems upside down in a cool, dry
location away from moisture and heat.
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8. Varieties
H. `Blue Bird' dark blue lace cap
H. 'Blue Wave' light blue lace cap
H. 'Kuhnert' rose pink or light blue
H. 'Merritt's Beauty' bright carmine (compact, full sun)
H. 'Merritt's Pride' bright rose-red
H. 'Merritt's Supreme' bright rose, red
H. 'Nikko Blue' blue, shorter grower
H. 'Pink Elf' rich pink (truly compact)
H. 'Red Star' brilliant cherry
H. 'Regula' white
H. 'Rose Supreme' rose pink
H. 'Sister Teresa' clear white
H. 'Todi' clear pink
8/98
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