Tips of How to plant and grow hydrangeas in Australia

We have a number of hydrangeas in our garden, and they grow very well in this climate. They are easy to grow from cuttings which are plentiful, as at the end of flowering season during the winter months after they have lost their leaves they need to be cut back quite hard in preparation for next season’s growth.

Should hydrangeas grow in sun or shade?

Although they can tolerate a little sun, they prefer filtered sunlight or the shaded part of the garden on the south side of the house and even under trees. It gets very hot here in the summer, at times over 40 degrees, (dry heat, rarely humid) In such heat if they have too much sunshine they scorch very badly. On hot days they need watering but usually require very little care, and are just a pleasure to enjoy both in the garden and as cut flowers in the house. They can also be dried and kept as dry arrangements in the home during the winter months.

• Hydrangeas have no perfume, but the colours are interesting.
• The white variety can only produce white or cream flowers.

Soil pH of hydrangeas

Blue hydrangeas need acid soil, so in some areas (although not here) a Soil Acidifier, and acidic organic mulch such as pine needles and bark can be added. As you can see by our beautiful blue flowers the soil in which they are planted is acidic.

There are also pink varieties, and these have the unique tendency to change colour according to the chemistry of the soil. They need to be in an alkaline soil, and if planted in acidic soil will change colour to purple or blue. If you buy a pink hydrangea plant in bloom, there is no guarantee that it will produce the same colour flowers in your garden! If I were to decide to buy a pink one, it would be better to grow it in a pot with an alkaline mix of soil to ensure that its colour remains pink.

Different colours of hygrangeas in my garden

In our garden we have 2 white hydrangeas and several blue with a few purple. I enjoy the variety and it’s always a pleasure to enjoy sharing my lovely flowers with family and friends.