Best Soil For Hydrangeas

What Is A Hydrangea Plant?

A hydrangea plant is a flowering shrub that come in many different colors, sizes, and shapes.

Hydrangeas are plants that belong to the Hydrangeaceae family. They are prized for their large showy blooms, which can be blue, pink, purple, or white in color. The size and shape of the flowers can vary depending on the species of hydrangea, but they are typically either round or cone-shaped.

Hydrangeas grow best in moist soil and partial to full sun exposure. They can be used as hedges or borders in landscape designs, or planted in containers to brighten up a porch or patio.

They tend to bloom in late spring to early summer and are native to Japan but can be found worldwide. Hydrangeas are fairly hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Makes A Good Hydrangea Soil

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, since the best soil for hydrangeas depends on the specific type of hydrangea. For example, some types of hydrangeas prefer acidic soil while others prefer alkaline soil. That said, most types of hydrangeas do best in a soil that is well drained and slightly moist. Soil that is too wet or too dry will not be ideal for these plants.

Ideally, the soil pH for hydrangea plants should be around 6.0-6.5, but they can tolerate a slightly higher or lower pH depending on the variety. If you’re having trouble getting your hydrangeas to turn blue, you can try adjusting the soil pH by adding lime to make it more alkaline or sulfur to make it more acidic.

Fertilizer is not necessary to grow healthy hydrangea plants. In fact, over-fertilization can actually damage plants and stunt their growth. A light application of organic matter (such as compost) in the spring should be all your plants need to thrive.

Everyday Potting Soil Mixes vs Hydrangea Specific Potting Soil Mixes

Potting soil mixes specifically designed for hydrangeas are overall better for the plants than your standard potting soil mix. They usually contain a higher percentage of organic matter than other potting soil mixes and this helps to keep the soils moisture retentive which is important for hydrangeas.

They also usually have a lower pH than other potting mixes, which is necessary for blue-flowering hydrangeas. You can find pre-made potting soil mixes specifically designed for hydrangeas quite easily online or in store.

Common Problems When Growing Hydrangea Plants

There are a few common problems that can occur when growing hydrangea plants. The most common issue is with the flowers, which can often turn brown and look unsightly. This is usually caused by a lack of water or by too much fertilizer.

Another problem that can occur is with the leaves, which can turn yellow and then fall off. This is usually caused by either a lack of water or by too much sun. And finally, hydrangea plants can sometimes get powdery mildew, which is a fungal infection that causes white patches on the leaves. Powdery mildew can be treated with fungicide, but it’s best to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

How To Make Your Own Hydrangea Soil Mix

To make your own hydrangea soil mix, you will need:

• 1 part garden soil
• 1 part sand
• 1 part bark mulch or compost

Mix the ingredients together and then amend as needed with organic matter (such as compost, well-rotted manure, or shredded leaves).

Hydrangeas prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline (pH above 7.0), you can add sulfur to the mix to help lower the pH; conversely, if your soil is too acidic (pH below 5.5), you can add lime to the mix to raise the pH.

There are a few benefits of making your own Hydrangea soil mix. First, you can customize the soil to your specific needs. This is important because different types of Hydrangeas prefer different soil conditions. Second, you can save money by making your own soil mix. Buying all of the ingredients separately can be expensive, but if you have them on hand, it’s a cost-effective way to go. Finally, homemade soil mixes often have better drainage than pre-packaged mixes, so your plants will be less likely to suffer from root rot or other diseases that are caused by too much moisture.

How Often Should You Feed Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas should be fed at least once a year with a slow-release granular fertilizer. A fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10 is ideal. If you want to give your plants an extra boost, you can feed them twice a year—once in the early spring before new growth begins, and again in midsummer. Be sure to water the plants thoroughly after feeding.