Shooting Star Hydrangea, Proper Cultivation
Growing a shooting star hydrangea is quite similar to cultivating a regular bigleaf hydrangea. This shrub prefers rich, well-drained soil in a semi-shaded area. It cannot tolerate drought or much sunlight and requires generally damp conditions. If planting more than one, place them approximately 6 feet apart, as it becomes quite a wide bush. Here are some suitable techniques from landscaping services for growing one.
Soil
This plant thrives in damp (but not soggy) soil that drains well. It thrives in somewhat acidic soil, giving rise to the recognizable white blooms with a tinge of pink. The blossoms will be noticeably blue in extremely acidic soils and will turn pinker when the soil pH approaches neutral or slightly alkaline. By carefully modifying the pH of the soil with additions, the blossom color may be altered.
Fertilizer
Once new growth begins in the spring, feeding your hydrangea with a balanced slow-release fertilizer helps promote a full bloom. Avoid overfertilizing since this will make the plant produce more robust foliage at the expense of flowers, which will limit blooming. Using an acidifying fertilizer in alkaline soils can drive the plant to produce the blue blossoms that some gardeners long for. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers since they frequently cause less blooming. After the end of the summer, it is better to avoid feeding.
Light
Shooting star hydrangeas are grown in the garden and benefit most from partial sun exposure. They like midday shade since they don’t enjoy constant direct sunlight. They will need more regular watering if you have to grow them in direct sunlight.
Water
Regular watering is beneficial for your shooting star hydrangea. They will need at least 1 inch of water every week to be cultivated in the garden, either through irrigation or rainfall. The weekly water allotment should be roughly 2 inches per week during hot, dry seasons. The soil will stay continuously wet if the whole water allotment is divided into two smaller waterings.
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