Hydrangea is a deciduous plant that loses all its leaves during the dormant season, in autumn and winter, and grows new fruits in spring. It has high soil requirements, and selecting the right soil is crucial for its healthy growth.

Different types of hydrangeas have slightly different soil requirements, so when choosing planting soil, you need to adjust it according to the specific variety. For example, the panicle hydrangea is more cold- and drought-tolerant than other varieties, and has a strong adaptability to soil, but still prefers loose, well-drained soil. Compared with the common spherical inflorescence large-leaf hydrangea, panicle hydrangea is less sensitive to soil pH, and the flower color is usually white or light pink. It is less affected by pH, so there is no need to adjust the soil pH too much. However, in order to promote its healthy growth, it is still recommended to add well-rotted organic fertilizer or compost before planting to enhance soil fertility and air permeability.

Hydrangeas prefer loose, well-draining soil. Heavy, clayey soil can lead to root hypoxia, affecting growth. The ideal soil should be rich in organic matter, providing ample nutrients while maintaining good aeration and drainage.

The acidity or alkalinity of the soil (pH level) significantly impacts the growth and flower color of hydrangeas. Acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.5) typically results in blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH 6.0-7.0) tends to produce pink or red flowers. Before planting, you can use a soil tester to measure the pH level and adjust it according to your desired flower color.

To improve soil structure, you can add well-rotted organic fertilizer or compost before planting. These organic materials not only enhance soil fertility but also improve its water retention and aeration. Additionally, an appropriate amount of perlite or river sand can be mixed into the soil to further enhance drainage.

Hydrangeas have high water requirements but are sensitive to waterlogging. When selecting soil, ensure it has good drainage. If the planting area has poor drainage, consider raising the planting bed or using pots to prevent root rot caused by water accumulation.

When planting hydrangeas in pots, it is recommended to use specialized gardening soil or a homemade mix. The mix can include peat soil, leaf mold, and perlite in a ratio of approximately 2:1:1. This mixture provides sufficient nutrients while ensuring good drainage and aeration.

For ground-planted hydrangeas, the soil should be deeply tilled before planting, to a depth of at least 30 cm, to promote root growth. Additionally, a layer of gravel or coarse sand can be laid at the bottom of the planting hole to enhance drainage. After planting, cover the soil with organic mulch (such as bark or straw) to help maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Hydrangeas have high nutrient demands during their growth, especially for macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Therefore, the planting soil should be regularly supplemented with fertilizers. Slow-release or organic fertilizers are recommended, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers should be avoided to prevent soil compaction or salt accumulation.

When adjusting soil pH, sulfur powder or aluminum sulfate can be used to lower the pH, making the soil more suitable for blue hydrangeas. If you prefer red flowers, you can add lime powder to raise the pH. Adjustments should be made gradually to avoid sudden changes that could harm the plant's health.

Goldcom Fuyang Gardens Co., Ltd .has been a professional supplier of high-quality plants and trees for over 30 years. Starting with a few simple plastic greenhouses, we now cover approximately 300 acres. The hydrangeas we offer include Hydrangea macrophylla Peppermint, Hydrangea macrophylla Magic Jade, Hydrangea macrophylla Adula, and more. If you have any needs for purchasing Hydrangeas, please feel free to contact us at any time.