It’s Hydrangea time in the Midwest. Hydrangeas are a lovely perennial with either beautiful blue or pink flowers. There are also white varieties. Hydrangea leaves tend to burn in the hot sun, and they are lovers of moisture, so place the young shrubs in a semi-shady location that gets plenty of moisture. Like many perennials, their blooming period is short—just a few weeks—but they are quite showy and little trouble to grow. Hydrangeas are one of the few plants whose blossoms can be made to change color, depending on the pH level of the soil. (There are entire web sites devoted to them where you can find more information if you wish to change the color of yours).
We’ve had a wet spring this year, and the Hydrangeas around here are simply stunning. Note that the pH in the soil of these two plants must be mixed, for there are blossoms of both blue and pink.
© Wade Kingston