The secret to growing your best hydrangeas ever
Whenever I ask my garden design clients about any particular plants that they may like or dislike, I am normally met with quite a vague response, such as 'I really like most plants' or 'there's not really any that I do or don't like'. But say the word hydrangeas and people's reaction is immediate. They will either say 'I love hydrangeas' or 'No, I don't want any in my garden'. Why such strong feelings, I have no idea, perhaps it's because they remind us of the past, for they are a really traditional plant in many Irish gardens.
Our mild, damp climate suits them perfectly, which is why they've become such a fixture of gardens here. The classic type most people know is Hydrangea macrophylla, with its lush mopheads. Mopheads give you those big, rounded balls of flower, while lacecaps are a bit more delicate, with tiny true flowers in the centre surrounded by a ring of showier bracts. Both thrive in part shade and moist soil, flowering from midsummer well into autumn.
Then there are the paniculata types, with long, cone-shaped heads of white flowers that often turn to pink as they age. They cope with more sun than mopheads and are ideal if your garden is a bit more exposed. Varieties like Limelight and Vanille Fraise are particularly worth keeping an eye out for. The hydrangea du jour right now is Hydrangea Annabelle, grown for its enormous white heads that seem to glow and change shade as the sun moves through the day.
One question that always comes up is how to keep hydrangeas blue. It all comes down to soil. In acidic ground, aluminium is more available to the plant, which gives you those striking blue flowers. In neutral or alkaline soils, the same plant will flower pink. If your soil is naturally on the limey side, you can try feeding with aluminium sulphate or growing in pots of ericaceous compost. Just remember that it's far easier to keep them blue in containers than to change an entire border's pH.
Looking after hydrangeas is fairly straightforward. Watering is crucial, especially in dry spells, as their big leaves and heavy blooms lose a lot of moisture. A good mulch in spring will help keep roots cool and damp.
When flowers fade, you can deadhead by cutting just below the old heads, though I would suggest leaving them on through winter for a bit of winter interest and to protect next year's buds from cold snaps. Come early spring, trim back to a pair of strong buds. With paniculata and arborescens types, you can be a bit braver and cut them back harder in late winter, as they flower on new wood.
There's something special about old hydrangeas in walled gardens or running along the sides of old houses. They seem to carry stories with them, year after year, tying us to the gardeners who came before. They maintain interest through late summer and give that connection between summer, giving that reliable backbone when many early summer flowers are starting to fade and the more muted space of winter.
Hydrangeas also work well with other plants. They look lovely with hostas and ferns in shadier spots, or underplanted with hardy geraniums for a softer, more natural feel.
If you're planting a new hydrangea, take the time to prepare the ground well with plenty of organic matter. The more work you do before planting to improve the soil, the greater the dividends in the longer term, as a really humus-rich soil, which will conserve moisture, will mean less watering in the dry periods. Plant it at the same depth it was in the pot, keep it well watered in its first season, and it will reward you for years.
So now, while they're at their absolute best, is the perfect moment to enjoy hydrangeas in all their glory. Whether it's a deep blue mophead glowing in a shady corner, a frothy paniculata turning pink as the days shorten, or a pure white Annabelle, standing proud by the garden gate, they bring a quintessential charm that few other plants can match. They anchor a garden, linking us to the past while promising colour and beauty for many summers to come.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Archeological expert criticises Wexford council over destruction of 'historic' homes
A FORMER PRESIDENT of the British Archeological Association has criticised Wexford County Council for its handling of a historic part of the county town. The comments were made after the local authority and the State planning authority gave approval for a developer to demolish houses dating to the mid 1800s in an area known as The Faythe. Located close to Wexford Harbour near the south-east coast, The Faythe is in a historic part of Wexford town where its narrow streets crisscross eras of the last several hundred years of Irish history. Dr Richard Gem told The Journal that it was important to see The Fayth granted special conservation status so that the area could be developed in line with the historic nature of the area. He said it was a matter of 'some surprise and concern' that the area is not included among the Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) designated in Wexford's County Development Plan. However, Gem said it was 'even more extraordinary' that the nearest designated area 'terminates precisely at the point where The Faythe commences – as if to suggest, quite misleadingly, that there is nothing there in the townscape or architecture worth conserving'. 'It is not difficult to see that with increasing pressures nationally to meet current housing needs by developing land behind houses, the historical and archaeological interest of The Faythe is especially vulnerable,' Gem said. Residents fighting against the development in Wexford have criticised the decision to give approval, pointing to a planning report that warned the development would be 'crammed' into the old area. They say that the case raises legitimate questions over how older towns are developed amid the backdrop of the housing crisis. They are now seeking to acquire protected and conservation status for the area known as The Faythe. Planning permission Two years ago, Co Wexford-based developer Bawn Developments applied for planning permission to knock three houses for a block of apartments and 11 houses, and take green space as part of the grounds for the development. In late 2023, Wexford County Council initially granted permission despite 90 objections, but the proposals eventually ended up before An Bord Pleanála. The approval came despite an An Bord Pleanála inspector warning it would make for a 'crammed development', while an established architecture and heritage expert has said he finds it 'extraordinary' that the area is not designated with conservation status. The council has defended the plans as much needed for the area and to address the housing crisis in the county, where over 1,500 households are on the social housing list awaiting new accommodation. Advertisement Some of the locals alongside the mural to champion accordion player George Ross, who lived on the street. The three homes earmarked for destruction sit on the corner of the street and are approximately 150 years old. One house was previously a thatched cottage and dates back to the early 1700s. Then, in March, Bawn was given the greenlight to go ahead and knock the homes to prepare for development. This came after An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly known as An Bord Pleanála, overruled its own inspector who had supported many of the community's concerns. A local community group, called Fight 4 The Faythe, has been established and has been holding weekly protests and marches against the development every week since. They have pointed to planning authorities description of the homes as habitable prior to being sold. When speaking to The Journal , Fight 4 The Faythe founder Sue Rea said that they would continue to oppose the development and hold peaceful protests over the months to come. 'We are in a housing crisis and this has to be acknowledged,' Rea said. 'However, surely town planners and those making planning decisions should be considerate of existing residents and provision of amenities.' What did the inspector's report say? In her report, inspector Angela Brereton warned that the site would make for a 'crammed form of development' if approved. 'It would not provide for a replacement building of exceptional quality that would have a positive impact on the visual quality and character of the area,' Brereton said in the report last November. She added that scrapping the existing houses and replacing them with the apartments and other housing would run contrary to objectives ranging from built heritage to sustainable development. Despite Brereton's issues with the proposals, the planning board overruled her findings in a 2-1 vote. Bye bye mural: the tribute to George Ross on No 94 in the process of being removed. For the past seven years, the corner had been marked with a mural of a former Fleadh winner and accordion player, George Ross, who hailed from The Faythe. That has been removed in recent weeks as the development got underway. In its response to concerns raised, Wexford County Council said that the homes were not Protected Structures and that the mural does not have planning permission. It added that the 'contribution the mural makes to the historic streetscape is entirely subjective' for onlookers. Wexford County Council and Bawn Developments were both contacted for comment and did not respond. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
RNLI ‘challenging' rescue ops as yacht crew member suffered back injury & yacht got ‘in difficulty' near Irish coast
They found the yacht close to shore upon arrival CAST AWAY RNLI 'challenging' rescue ops as yacht crew member suffered back injury & yacht got 'in difficulty' near Irish coast A MAJOR operation was launched by the RNLI yesterday after a yacht raised the alarm near Skerries harbour in Co Dublin. The Skerries crew set off after receiving a call from a yacht anchored near Skerries harbour, requesting assistance with an injured crew member. 2 Another vessel was making their way to Boatstrand Pier before it got into a struggle Credit: RNLI/Helvick Head The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and proceeded directly to the visiting yacht, which was in sight as soon as the lifeboat left the trailer. Advertisement Once alongside, one of the volunteer crew, who also happens to be a local GP, made their way on to the yacht to assess the casualty's condition. A woman on board had fallen and suffered a back injury. And it was evident that transferring the casualty to the lifeboat was not going to be straightforward. It was decided to assist the yacht in moving alongside the pier, where more volunteers from the station would be waiting with a rigid basket stretcher. Advertisement The stretcher was lowered to the yacht and casualty was placed into it and made as comfortable as possible. With the tide quite low, there would have been a considerable risk to the casualty in hauling the stretcher up the harbour wall, so it was decided to transfer the stretcher to the lifeboat instead. The lifeboat then made its way back around the pier and was recovered back to the station. The casualty was then handed over to the care of the National Ambulance Service who transferred her to hospital for further assessment. Advertisement Conditions at the time were force one to two southerly winds with a smooth sea and moderate visibility caused by sea fog. Speaking about the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning, said;: "First of all we'd like to wish the lady a full and speedy recovery. "When the pagers sound, our volunteers never really know what they might be facing. "But you can always count on their calmness and composure. "There was some great teamwork and some excellent decision making on display in this shout to ensure the casualty got the best care possible." Advertisement CALL TO ACTION It comes after the Bunmahon Coast Guard in Co Waterford was called out at 12:20pm to go the aid of a yacht which had gotten into difficulties off the Boatstrand Pier. The vessel was making their way to Boatstrand Pier before it got into a struggle. The lifeboat was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 12.20pm after a report that a yacht was in difficulty in rough seas. There was an easterly wind, Force 4–5 at the time which was creating challenging onshore conditions. The volunteer lifeboat crew including Helm Alan Kelly, Joe Foley, Shane Walsh, and Rian Kelly, quickly made their way to the scene in the inshore lifeboat. Advertisement They found the yacht close to shore upon arrival. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided the safest course of action was to establish a tow and safely bring the vessel which couldn't make any onboard progress to Boatstrand Pier where they were assisted by Bunmahon Coast Guard. Speaking following the call out, Liam Harty, Helvick Head RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: "We would like to commend the sailors for wearing life jackets and having access to phone communication for raising the alarm. 'GOOD OUTCOME' "This resulted in a good outcome today and we wish both of them well. "The wind direction and sea state were challenging today so the quick actions of the yacht's crew in calling for help, combined with their use of life jackets, played a major role in their safe recovery." Advertisement Mr Harty has also issued a warning to all water users to always wear a suitable life jacket or personal flotation device while engaging in water activities. He added: "As the summer continues, we encourage all water users to always wear a suitable life jacket or personal flotation device for their activity, carry a means of calling for help, and check the weather conditions before setting out. " Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
The secret to growing your best hydrangeas ever
It's hard to think of a plant that sums up late summer and autumn quite like the hydrangea. You only have to walk down any road or glance into a front garden at this time of year to see them in their full summer glory, dripping with big blooms in every shade from soft pink to vivid blue. They're as much a part of our landscape as old stone walls and grassy lanes, bringing a gentle sense of familiarity that feels like home. Whenever I ask my garden design clients about any particular plants that they may like or dislike, I am normally met with quite a vague response, such as 'I really like most plants' or 'there's not really any that I do or don't like'. But say the word hydrangeas and people's reaction is immediate. They will either say 'I love hydrangeas' or 'No, I don't want any in my garden'. Why such strong feelings, I have no idea, perhaps it's because they remind us of the past, for they are a really traditional plant in many Irish gardens. Our mild, damp climate suits them perfectly, which is why they've become such a fixture of gardens here. The classic type most people know is Hydrangea macrophylla, with its lush mopheads. Mopheads give you those big, rounded balls of flower, while lacecaps are a bit more delicate, with tiny true flowers in the centre surrounded by a ring of showier bracts. Both thrive in part shade and moist soil, flowering from midsummer well into autumn. Then there are the paniculata types, with long, cone-shaped heads of white flowers that often turn to pink as they age. They cope with more sun than mopheads and are ideal if your garden is a bit more exposed. Varieties like Limelight and Vanille Fraise are particularly worth keeping an eye out for. The hydrangea du jour right now is Hydrangea Annabelle, grown for its enormous white heads that seem to glow and change shade as the sun moves through the day. One question that always comes up is how to keep hydrangeas blue. It all comes down to soil. In acidic ground, aluminium is more available to the plant, which gives you those striking blue flowers. In neutral or alkaline soils, the same plant will flower pink. If your soil is naturally on the limey side, you can try feeding with aluminium sulphate or growing in pots of ericaceous compost. Just remember that it's far easier to keep them blue in containers than to change an entire border's pH. Looking after hydrangeas is fairly straightforward. Watering is crucial, especially in dry spells, as their big leaves and heavy blooms lose a lot of moisture. A good mulch in spring will help keep roots cool and damp. When flowers fade, you can deadhead by cutting just below the old heads, though I would suggest leaving them on through winter for a bit of winter interest and to protect next year's buds from cold snaps. Come early spring, trim back to a pair of strong buds. With paniculata and arborescens types, you can be a bit braver and cut them back harder in late winter, as they flower on new wood. There's something special about old hydrangeas in walled gardens or running along the sides of old houses. They seem to carry stories with them, year after year, tying us to the gardeners who came before. They maintain interest through late summer and give that connection between summer, giving that reliable backbone when many early summer flowers are starting to fade and the more muted space of winter. Hydrangeas also work well with other plants. They look lovely with hostas and ferns in shadier spots, or underplanted with hardy geraniums for a softer, more natural feel. If you're planting a new hydrangea, take the time to prepare the ground well with plenty of organic matter. The more work you do before planting to improve the soil, the greater the dividends in the longer term, as a really humus-rich soil, which will conserve moisture, will mean less watering in the dry periods. Plant it at the same depth it was in the pot, keep it well watered in its first season, and it will reward you for years. So now, while they're at their absolute best, is the perfect moment to enjoy hydrangeas in all their glory. Whether it's a deep blue mophead glowing in a shady corner, a frothy paniculata turning pink as the days shorten, or a pure white Annabelle, standing proud by the garden gate, they bring a quintessential charm that few other plants can match. They anchor a garden, linking us to the past while promising colour and beauty for many summers to come.
