Hydrangeas can be found in parks and squares, on flowerbeds and lawns. Some varieties are grown indoors. An important component of plant care is watering. This element of agricultural technology is necessary not only to maintain the development of the flower, but also to regulate the acidity of the soil.
How to understand that hydrangea needs watering
Hydrangea is demanding on soil moisture and its composition. Soil should not only have an appropriate level of acidity, but also be permeable. Stagnant moisture for the plant is no less dangerous than drying out the soil.
Watering is important for hydrangeas
Note! It is important to maintain moderate soil moisture throughout the entire period of growth and flowering of hydrangea (to the entire depth of the root system).
It is not worth pouring a plant. Factors that determine the frequency of irrigation should be considered:
- amount of precipitation;
- soil structure;
- the presence of mulch;
- frequency of loosening.
It is these factors that determine the time during which the soil will lose moisture and require moisture. Determine the need of a plant for irrigation by appearance. With a lack of moisture, the leaves and inflorescences begin to fade, and their color turns pale. In this case, the flower is immediately watered, and after 2-3 days the surface of the soil is loosened.
Water requirements
Hydrangeas are demanding not only to the frequency of irrigation, but also to the quality of the water. In some cases, watering from a hydrangea hose can be dangerous.
The danger of tap water for hydrangeas
Watering plants from a hose is strictly prohibited. Cold water can damage the roots and lead to various diseases. The thermophilic flower needs water, the temperature of which differs from the ambient temperature by no more than 1-2 ℃.
The threat is bleach and other impurities in the water. They can adjust the acidity of the soil and make it alkaline. The result is chlorosis. It is difficult to treat it. For this, dangerous drugs are used (iron sulfate and other chemicals).
Watering is strictly forbidden
What water can be used
Eliminating the possibility of irrigation with tap water entails the need for alternative solutions. Possible options:
- rainwater harvesting;
- sedimentation of plumbing;
- filtration.
The best option is to purify tap water, followed by settling it for 2-3 days. This will improve its quality, clean from impurities and get the required temperature.
Important! Using rainwater is a moot point. Some gardeners do not recommend using it for irrigation, arguing for environmental problems.
Hydrangea watering should be carried out with warm and purified from impurities water. Only in this case will it be possible to avoid infection of plants with chlorosis and to prevent hypothermia of the root system. Having understood water, it is important to decide how to water hydrangea and what additives to use.
How to water garden hydrangea
At different periods of development, as well as when changing the place of growth, the frequency of watering can vary. There are rules for organizing irrigation that you must follow. Particular attention is paid to two important points in the life of a flower - the rooting period after transplantation and the phase of active formation of inflorescences.
Rooting after transplantation
It is better to transplant a thermophilic hydrangea in the spring, since sharp autumn cooling can damage the roots and shoots. Outdoor transplantation in autumn can be applied only in the southern regions with a warm climate. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining soil moisture when changing the place of growth of the flower.
It is important to maintain soil moisture after transplanting
There are 3 governing rules:
- The first moistening of the soil is carried out in the hole before placing the roots in it.
- After terminating the landing pit, re-watering is carried out.
- For successful rooting, moisten the soil every 3-4 days.
After transplantation, hydrangea experiences an increased need for fluid. That is why it is important not to allow the soil to dry out.
Note! It is advisable to mulch the soil after planting. This will retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.
Flowering period
Hydrangea care during flowering requires standard. Watering blooming hydrangea is carried out once a week at the rate of 2 buckets per bush. If there is no rain for a long time or the air temperature is high, the rate is doubled. It is advisable to combine watering with top dressing. Subsequently, fertilizers are applied, the soil is loosened. Comprehensive care will prolong flowering.
What to add to water for irrigation
With the help of additives, you can change the color of the inflorescences by feeding the plant and changing the acidity of the soil. The goals may be as follows:
- Color change. The color of hydrangea inflorescences is directly related to the acidity of the soil. The signal that it needs to be increased is a change in the color of the petals to pale pink or milky. To give the inflorescences a blue tint, vinegar, citric acid, aluminum sulfate are used as additives. To maintain a pink color, potassium permanganate is used. Acidity is increased by the addition of peat, sawdust and compost.
- For top dressing. In the period of laying the buds, mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen are used, and during the flowering period, potassium top dressing is used. For adherents of folk remedies, the option of using sour milk or kefir is suitable - a fermented milk product is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5 and watered under the root.
The color of the petals can be changed
It's important to know! Florists often use an ash solution as a top dressing. Does hydrangea love ash? Absolutely not, because this fertilizer makes the soil alkaline.
What is the difference between watering garden and room hydrangea
Large-leaf hydrangea is suitable for indoor cultivation. It is she who is most adapted to growing in a pot. Particular attention is paid to watering schedules. Given the presence of a period of activity and rest, it looks like this:
- from spring to mid-autumn - regular soil moisture;
- closer to the end of autumn, the frequency of irrigation is reduced to 1 time per week;
- in winter, watering is carried out only to prevent drying of the roots and soil;
- in spring, as soon as the first leaves appear, they switch to the standard mode.
Compliance with the schedule allows the plant to safely go into the period of winter dormancy. This is a key factor for lush flowering from the beginning of summer until the fall.
On a note! Reduced watering in the fall and a gradual increase in their spring - the main difference between room and garden hydrangeas. Care during flowering is identical. Water quality requirements are maintained.
There is a special watering schedule for room hydrangea
Watering errors and their consequences
Failure to comply with the rules can lead to a deterioration in the health of hydrangea, a decrease in the number of inflorescences. Coloring of the petals can be affected. The most common errors include:
- Inadequate watering. Drying of the soil is detrimental not only for the vegetative part of the plant, but also for the roots. The consequences of drought are wilting and yellowing of leaves, the cessation of the formation of inflorescences.
- Ignoring acidifying additives. As the flower grows, the acidity of the soil changes towards alkaline, so additives are used for irrigation. They help keep acidity at a given level.
- Lack of top dressing. Fertilizers for hydrangeas are applied under the root, dissolving them in water. Lack of nutrients, especially during flowering, negatively affects the growth of shoots and the formation of inflorescences.
- Using cold tap water. Watering plants from a hose with cold water containing chlorine is unacceptable. The consequences will be hypothermia of the roots and correction of soil acidity.
Additional Information! Changing the color of inflorescences, yellowing and wilting of leaves, lack of new flowers - all these are signs of errors in care that are associated with watering.
Irrigation errors lead to disease
Hydrangeas require attention and care from the grower. The most important element of agricultural technology is watering. Timely moistening of the soil, the use of purified warm water, the introduction of drugs to feed and maintain the acidity of the soil is the key to lush flowering hydrangeas in the garden until autumn.
