It is important at this time of year to know when the first frost will be
If you want a stunning display next year, you need to put in some work now(Image: (Image: Getty))
One of the most popular flowers grown all year round in the UK are hydrangeas as they can withstand the temperatures of different seasons, including winter. While the weather is unsettled, there are things you can do to make sure your flowers will blossom again next spring.
Most hydrangeas flower from August to October and a few varieties start flowering in mid June. The flower requires protection to bloom again in the warmer months. A gardener from Millcreek Gardens has spoken about the importance of “deadheading” your hydrangeas.
Deadheading is the term used for the removal of fading or dead flowers from plants. It is done to keep plants looking attractive and encourage more blooms, whether in beds and borders, containers or hanging baskets.
The expert said: “When you deadhead hydrangeas, you aren’t harming the plants at all. Removing the spent blooms triggers flowering shrubs to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development.
He added: “This makes plants stronger and healthier, so by deadheading, you’ll be doing your hydrangeas a favour.” Explaining how to remove the dead flowers from plants, the gardener said “Deadheading is an easy gardening task, one many people enjoy.
“All you need to deadhead hydrangeas is a pair of garden gloves, pruners and a container to hold the faded flowers.”
It is important at this time of year to know when the first frost will be in your local area as you should stop deadheading hydrangeas around four weeks beforehand, The Express reports.
If you continue to deadhead after the first frost then it can expose new growth to cold temperatures which will damage the plant and risk destroying any flower buds that are forming for next year.
Gardener’s World says the best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and moist. Planting in summer is possible, but you’ll have to water more often to avoid the plant drying out before its roots can establish.
The gardening magazine has shared tips to care for hydrangeas. These include:
Water regularly, even weekly if necessary, throughout the plant’s first growing season to help the roots establishWater hydrangeas with rainwater to help keep the flowerheads blueHydrangeas do best in moist soil and can wilt in hot weather, so be ready to give extra water during hot spells in summer, especially if they are in full sunMulch hydrangeas every year in spring with leaf mould, well-rotted manure or compost. Otherwise, it’s usually best to avoid feeding them, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
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