As House Beautiful writes, these bright shrubs are very low-maintenance. “Few flowering shrubs can match the broom hydrangea in the abundance of their flowers,” says gardener Stacey Hirvela.
“Broom hydrangeas are valued as easy-to-grow plants that are a true landscape ornament,” agrees Linda Vater, landscape design expert at the Southern Living Plant Collection.
According to her, broom hydrangeas often bloom from early summer to autumn, and many of them gently change color as the flowers age and the seasons change; for example, from creamy to vintage pink.
The shrubs also maintain an attractive texture long after the growing season ends, as the dried flower heads on the stems remain intact throughout the cold months. These flowers provide much-needed winter decor for the garden, which would otherwise look empty.
Why choose broom hydrangeas?
These shrubs are beautiful, resilient, and quite undemanding.
Different types of hydrangeas do not always bloom equally abundantly, but broom hydrangeas are considered reliable bloomers. They can bloom every year even after a harsh winter or pruning.
They also have good frost resistance, so many broom hydrangea varieties can successfully grow in Lithuania’s climate conditions.
How to care for broom hydrangea?
Proper location. This is one of the most important things. A spot should be chosen for the broom hydrangea where the plant receives at least some sunlight daily. Adequate lighting helps grow strong stems and ensures more abundant flowering.
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In hotter climate regions, hydrangeas are recommended to be placed where they get partial shade during the hottest part of the day. In Lithuania, especially on hot summer days, it is also worth avoiding completely open, scorching southern locations.
Mulching. It is beneficial to spread a thin, even layer of mulch around the hydrangea. Shredded bark is suitable for this. About a 5 cm layer is usually enough. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture longer and protects the roots from temperature fluctuations.
Pruning. Broom hydrangeas are recommended to be pruned once a year. You can shorten about a third of the top and side shoots. Pruning can be done in late autumn when the plant fully enters dormancy, or in late winter–early spring.
Why do hydrangeas sometimes turn green?
Sometimes the bright hydrangea flowers start to turn green. Most often, this is a completely natural stage of the plant’s development.
As the flower heads age, their color gradually changes. Therefore, green hydrangea flowers do not necessarily mean the plant is lacking something or is sick.
The main reason is the natural aging of the flower heads. At the end of the season, the flowers may lose their original color and take on a greenish hue, then change color again later.
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