The hydrangeaswith their beautiful blue, pink or white tones, are very grateful plants that add color and beauty to our balconies and terraces.

They bloom in late spring and, if you provide them with adequate care, throughout the summer. You can plant them in the soil of your garden, but also have them in pots on your balcony or terrace. In this article we focus precisely on the potted hydrangea care.

When do hydrangeas bloom

The hydrangeas They are plants of the genus Hydrangea originating from areas of southern and eastern Asia such as Japan, China or Korea, and South America.

They can measure between 1 and 3 meters in height, or even more depending on the species, and have beautiful green leaves and large flower heads with a slightly sweet aroma that, depending on the pH of the soil where they grow, can be bluish, pink, or white. In fact, they can change color depending on the acidity of the soil: if it is acidic, the flowers will be blue; if it is more alkaline, pink.

There are some 90 different speciesalthough the most common in Spain are common hydrangeas (Hydrangea hortensis) that bloom between late spring and early fall.

Where to put hydrangeas in pots

The hydrangeas are quite resistant plants to diseases, bacteria and fungi that, in fact, some species grow wild on the sides of the roads. However, there are some basic aspects for them to grow healthy and flourish and one of them is light: They should be in semi-shadesince direct soloing for many hours can burn them.

Location in the house or garden

You can touch the direct sun in the early hours of the morningbut then you have to put it in semi-shade. They prefer a hot and humid climate.

They are basically outdoor plants.but if you want to have them indoors it is very important that they are in a place with good light and humidity.

In addition to not being able to withstand extreme cold or frost, They don’t like drafts either.so try to place them in a place where they are protected.

Pot size

On the other hand, in order for it to develop well, it has to be in a big enough potso that the roots can grow, and with good drainage so that moisture does not accumulate. If not, you should transplant it.

What soil to put in the pot

Hydrangeas are acidophilic plants and grow best in a acidic substrate (especially the blue ones), rich in nutrients and with good drainage.

The substrate must contain iron so that the leaves do not yellow. If your hydrangeas turn yellow due to lack of iron, you may need to check the acidity of the soil.

How to water hydrangeas when they grow in a pot

The scientific name of hydrangeas, Hydrangeacomes from the Greek words ὕδωρ (hydra), which means water, and ἄγγος (gea) which means «vase», that is, it would mean something like a vase for water or a vase for water. AND Water is precisely something that this plant cannot lack..

They need a large amount of water and you must water them whenever you see the top layer of soil starting to dry out. Of course, make sure that it is not too cold and that it does not fall directly on the leaves or flowers.

You should also pay attention to the fact that water does not accumulate on the groundas it could rot the roots. That is why it is so It is important that the pot has drainage holes and that the earth is not too compact.

Fertilizing and cleaning hydrangeas is also important

On the other hand, during the flowering season it is advisable fertilize hydrangeas every 15 days approximately, since they concentrate all their energy and nutrients in their beautiful flowers. The yellowing of the leaves is an unequivocal sign of a lack of nutrients, including iron, as we have seen.

Another key for them to concentrate their nutrients in flowering is eliminate everything that is left over and that takes energy away from the plant, like dead or damaged leaves and stems.

Additionally, some hydrangea varieties will need pruning in the fall, except for some varieties, which can be pruned later.

Pests and diseases that can affect hydrangeas

Although, as we indicated before, it is a plant that is very resistant to diseases, as it requires so much water there is a risk of fungal growthespecially if we overdo it. In this case, it is advisable to eliminate the affected leaves or stems and you can apply an organic fungicide.

It can also affect the cottony mealybugin which case potassium soap or neem oil They will be good for you to eliminate it.