Plant Tissue Culture PPT

The hydrangea originates from southern and eastern Asia and North and South America. It is a very popular shrub that can be either deciduous or evergreen. There are two main flower types in hydrangeas, mophead flowers which are large and round and resemble pom-poms, or lacecap which are flat flower heads with small fertile flowers in the centre surrounded by more showy larger sterile flower heads around the outside. Flowers come in various shades of pink, white, purple and blue. Here is a short guide on how to grow hydrangeas and some of my favourite varieties.

Hydrangeas will thrive in moist but well-drained soil, in a semi shady part of the garden. They are ideal for north-facing sites, but avoid east-facing positions where cold winds can easily damage new growth. Likewise, avoid overly dry and sunny spots. One of the attractions of hydrangeas is their ability to change the colour of their flowers. This only happens in the mophead varieties and is due to the soil pH. Those hydrangeas whose flowers turn blue tends to be in more acidic soil. To keep them blue grow in acidic soil of pH 4.5-5 or add hydrangea blueing compounds that can be bought from good garden centres. The flower heads also dry extremely well and look stunning instead of cut flowers over winter.

Hydrangeas are normally very hardy and don't suffer many problems. However, non-flowering can be caused by frost damage to flowering wood. It is a good idea to keep the dead heads on the plant until spring as this will provide a bit of protection against harsh frosts.

Hydrangea 'Annabel' is a stunning white variety with large flower blooms that can be up to 30cm across. Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise' provides generous blooms that emerge white and mature to a lovely raspberry pink. 'Expression Blue' has a very long flowering season and produces fragrant mauve waterlily-like florets. It is a compact variety and so ideal for containers. Hydrangea Adria is another compact variety suited to small gardens. It has stunning blue flowers that dry very well for use in floral arrangements. 'Limelight' has conical flower heads that start off bright lime green and gradually turn creamy-white with a delicate pink blush.

Hydrangeas can be grown successfully in garden planters. There are however a couple of considerations to take into account. Hydrangeas tend to very quickly out grow a container and so will need to be re-potted once a year. Regular watering is also essential as a potted hydrangea should never be allowed to dry out.

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