How to Get to Variegated Hydrangeas to Bloom
The variegated hydrangea has white-edged leaves and unique blue blooms. When mature, it stands 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. In southern regions, the variegated hydrangea blooms beautifully; in northern areas, it needs more sunshine to prosper. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant variegated hydrangea in an area that receives full-to-partial sun. Too much shade will inhibit the blooms.
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Check the surrounding species of plants, including trees that might hinder the amount of light the hydrangea receives. If other plants nearby cast a lot of shade, move the hydrangea to a sunnier spot.
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Prune the hydrangea in the fall and spring. Pruning in the early summer can reduce or eliminate blooms for that year.
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Cover the hydrangea with a blanket or light tarp when frost threatens. Frost can damage the tender new growth and inhibit blooming.
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Apply an insecticidal spray or soap to minimize pests such as aphids and ants. Insects can inhibit blooms and new growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Watch for new growth at the base of the plant. If the variegated hydrangea has basal shoots 5 to 8 inches in length while the upper parts of the stems are bare, you must remove the bare stems. To change the color of your variegated hydrangea, change the pH of your soil. Blue flowers will be produced in acidic soil and pink flowers will be produced in neutral to alkaline soils. To raise the pH of your soil, add lime. To lower the pH, add aluminum sulfate.
