Heavenly Hydrangeas in Summer

$ummer is almost here and the long wait is over.  Considered as the "highlights" of our little garden, these hydrangeas make its dramatic entry in late spring as the daylight stretches longer and the weather gets warmer.

Blue, blue, my world is blue ...

Sounds like an old silly sad song, but not when you're looking at these gigantic balls of blue florets. In fact, they're here to chase our "blues" away.  Just like watching the fireworks of 4th of July, they burst and explode with colorful blooms throughout the garden and walkways.

 

These hydrangeas were planted on both sides of our front yard (by the driveway) to create a joyful welcome to everyone.  Adding aluminum sulfate (such as True Blue, sold at Green Thumbs) will helps lower the soil pH and produce blue flowers.  Who knew that from a single parent plant (right), we were able to propagate as many as 20 plants all around the garden.  This one will tolerate some heat during the hot summer months by watering them twice a day - early morning and before noon. The intense direct sunlight in the afternoon  and relatively low humidity will cause these blooms and leaves to wilt.  But by sundown, they will fully recover if there is adequate moisture in the soil.  Otherwise, the leaves and its delicate blooms will burn and become crispy from loss of too much water due to the heat.

Alkaline soil (with higher pH) helps hydrangea to maintain its bright pink color, without any hint of blue or purple on its edges.  To increase its pH level, simply add Garden Lime (available at any nursery) around the soil and water well.

 

To enjoy their colorful display both inside the house and outside, simply plant them near the window.  Also, planting different varieties (different shades/colors) in group makes it more interesting when they start blooming at the same time.  All they need is water, a little fertilizers in early spring and of course, morning sun and afternoon shade.  Pruning them in late fall (once the blooming season is over) or in winter will help control the height you  wanted for next season. 

  

Double Hydrangea (You-Me series, below) exhibits large prolific blooms, some rounded and some star-shaped.  Their colors will also change (pink, blue, or purple) by controlling the soil ph.  

Hydrangea in any other colors (pink, red, purple, or white) is just as appealing and beautiful as their blue counterpart.  Planting them together in smaller groups create a symphony of colorful display that harmonize with their surrounding shrubs in the garden.  And regardless of its colors, we love them all!

Throughout summer, the fuchsias will continue to bloom and provide afternoon shade to the hydrangeas below.  Last year, we hired someone to cut the concrete floor and extended the flower bed against this dull wall so we can plant more hydrangeas, fuchsias, and hibiscus.  Now, we can simply enjoy this view directly from our windows or go outside and stroll along the walkway.  Planning and a little hard work is the key to a $ucce$$ful and colorful garden.     




Coming soon! The multi-tier $howcase featuring the tall double pink hibiscus (shown right, with preview of a single bloom) above the fuchsias, and the hydrangeas beneath it.  Together, they will exhibit a colorful display from June to October.  Other attractions from the other side include the dahlias, gladiolas, jasmines, and gardenias.