With its ability to bloom throughout the entire summer, withstand scorching heat, and resist diseases like powdery mildew, the BloomStruck® Bigleaf hydrangea’s enchanting beauty has captured the hearts of gardening enthusiasts far and wide.
But what makes the BloomStruck® hydrangea truly extraordinary is its secret: the pH level of the soil determines its breathtaking color palette.
Characterized by its show-stopping, large three to five-inch diameter flower heads, known as mopheads these magnificent blooms gracefully emerge on branches adorned with a captivating reddish-purple hue, surrounded by lush, dark-green leaves that enhance its allure.
The secret behind the BloomStruck® hydrangea’s captivating color display lies in the delicate dance between soil and pH levels. As nature’s alchemist, the bigleaf hydrangea possesses the extraordinary ability to transform its blooms based on the acidity of the soil it thrives.
If you nurture it with very acidic soil, prepare to be dazzled by an array of mesmerizing blue blossoms. However, should the soil lean towards a less acidic nature, be prepared for a majestic symphony of purple blooms, sometimes even showcasing a delightful reddish tinge.
PLANT NAME: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘P11HM-11’
Other Name: Bigleaf hydrangea
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Native Areas: Japan
Light Requirement: Partial shade
Watering: Average, once or twice a week
Fertilizer: All purpose balanced fertilizer
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and hospital
Temperature: USDA zones 4 through 9
Propagation: Cuttings
Growth: Fast growing
Soil Type: Acidic
More About Bloomstruck Hydrangea
Bloomstruck Hydrangea stands as a testament to nature’s ability to create breathtaking wonders. Its resplendent colors, adaptable nature, and low-maintenance plant requirements make it a perfect addition to any garden or landscape.
As an added bonus, this magnificent hydrangea attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, infusing your outdoor space with delightful liveliness.
Bloomstruck Hydrangea Care Guide
One of the reasons Bloomstruck Hydrangea has gained such popularity is its ease of care. Unlike some high-maintenance plants, this beauty thrives in many climates and soil conditions.
So whether you’re an avid gardener or just starting your green-thumb journey, the Bloomstruck Hydrangea is forgiving and accommodating. Just provide it with well-draining soil, adequate moisture, and a touch of sunlight, and it will reward you with its stunning floral display year after year.
Soil Requirements
Moist soil with the right pH level is the secret behind growing Hydrangea macrophylla. When the soil pH dips below 5.5, these remarkable shrubs unfurl delicate petals in stunning shades of blue. As the soil pH rises within the range of 5.5 to 6.5, the hydrangea flowers transition to a delightful palette of purple.
When the pH surpasses 6.5, the blooms take on a majestic reddish tone.
It may also be beneficial to enrich the soil as you go about improving its drainage. This can be achieved by incorporating generous amounts of decomposed organic matter. By adding compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure, you can enhance the soil’s structure and moisture-retention capabilities.
The organic matter also acts as a source of essential nutrients, nurturing the plants from their roots. As a result, the soil becomes a thriving habitat for beneficial microorganisms, fostering a harmonious environment for the plants to grow and thrive.
Lighting Needs
BloomStruck hydrangeas are nature’s delicate darlings, and finding the perfect balance of sunlight is key to their well-being. Partial afternoon shade offers a gentle compromise, allowing them to bask in the warmth of sunlight while benefiting from the shade’s protective embrace.
In regions with northern climates, where the sun’s rays can be more intense, these resilient shrubs can handle full sun exposure as long as their soil is kept evenly moist.
This crucial moisture retention is vital to prevent the plants from wilting or experiencing stress during periods of heat. However, if achieving consistent soil moisture becomes a challenge, providing filtered sunlight or partial shade will shield the hydrangeas from excessive sunlight, ensuring their long-lasting vibrancy and vitality.
Watering
Proper watering is a vital component of nurturing the BloomStruck hydrangea’s graceful growth. When cultivated in partial shade, particularly in the northernmost regions of its hardiness, this shrub maintains average water needs.
In general, providing about one inch of water per week is sufficient. However, it’s important to water only when the soil has dried out, as overwatering can impede blooming. Mulching the soil can prove beneficial, as it helps retain moisture and keeps the shrub hydrated.
Temperature and Humidity
When it comes to temperature extremes, hydrangeas showcase their tolerance. Being a bit winter-hardy, they can withstand frosty conditions without harm. And since they are also heat tolerant, they can also thrive in hotter climates if given appropriate shelter or protection from intense sunlight.
By offering shade or a sheltered position during the hottest part of the day, we can ensure the plant thrives even in scorching conditions.
Hydrangeas, in general, thrive in environments with average to high humidity levels. When grown outdoors, the natural ambient moisture is typically sufficient for the well-being of flowers. However, if we choose to cultivate hydrangeas indoors as houseplants, additional measures are necessary to maintain the desired humidity levels.
Misting the leaves, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a tray of pebbles filled with water can effectively raise the humidity and create an optimal environment for the hydrangeas to bloom.
Fertilizer
Most hydrangeas adore fertile soil, with a medium that is rich in organic matter either through amendment of compost or soil manure.
Another recommended measure is to apply an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 NPK once in early spring and then every three months or so. You may cease or limit feeding the plant during the winter season, especially in areas with relatively cold climates.
Pro tip: An acidic and alkaline soil can be corrected when you add lime or organic matter or aluminum sulfate, respectively. Note that when you add aluminum sulfate to your plants, be sure not to overdo it.
Pruning
Bloomstruck hydrangeas possess a unique characteristic of blooming on both old and new growth, making it technically unnecessary to prune hydrangeas. However, if you choose to prune them, it’s best to do so in the spring as the winter chill begins to dissipate. Pruning down to the base rejuvenates the plant, stimulating healthy growth and abundant blooms during the summer season.
It’s important to remove any stems that are dead, damaged, or diseased to maintain the plant’s overall health and vitality.
During the early summer, if desired, you can selectively prune Bloomstruck hydrangeas to encourage fullness and branching. Simply cut one or two of the oldest stems down to the base, promoting a bushier and more robust growth pattern. However, if your plant resides in zone 4 or 5, it’s advisable to minimize pruning, and if necessary, perform it immediately after the flowering period.
Potting
When it comes to cultivating hydrangeas in containers, providing the right soil composition is paramount. These plants thrive in loose, pliable soil that offers excellent drainage and ample aeration. To achieve this, you have two options: using a well-draining potting mix or a blend of all-purpose potting soil mixed halfway with perlite or peat moss.
Both choices ensure a conducive environment for the growing zones of Hydrangea macrophylla once planted.
Terracotta pots prove to be an ideal choice for growing hydrangeas in containers. Their porous nature allows for water absorption, creating a welcoming and balanced growing environment even summer long. When repotting a hydrangea, opt for a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current one, providing ample space for root growth.
It’s advisable to select a pot with a wide, flat base as hydrangeas can become top-heavy. The broad base offers stability and minimizes the risk of tipping over in windy conditions.
Propagation
While propagating Bloomstruck hydrangeas for commercial purposes is prohibited due to trademark restrictions, the good news is that most planted hydrangeas can be easily propagated from cuttings. The optimal time for propagation is in early fall, and taking cuttings will not harm the plant.
You can choose to root the cuttings either in soil or water, depending on your preference and resources.
The following is the simplified step-by-step guide to propagating hydrangeas:
Use sterilized pruning snips to clip a healthy six- to eight-inch stem without any flowers, just below a leaf node.
Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone to enhance root development.
Insert the cut-end into a pot filled with well-draining, damp potting soil.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, ensuring it does not touch the leaves. You can create slits in the bag for air circulation.
Keep the soil moist by misting or watering frequently.
Place the pot in a warm spot away from direct sunlight or in a sheltered location
Within two to four weeks, planted cuttings should develop roots, indicated by new growth and resistance when gently tugged. Once rooted, healthy plants can now be transplanted.
Bloomstruck Hydrangea Similar Plants
Either grown as an accent plant or as cut flowers, Bloomstruck hydrangea plants can vary with its other types that can also offer an aesthetically pleasing set of flowers.
Nikko Blue Hydrangea
Known for its stunning deep blue flower heads, “Nikko Blue” hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla “Nikko Blue”) is a classic choice for those seeking a vibrant blue hydrangea. It produces large mophead blooms that can reach up to 6-8 inches in diameter. The color of the flowers can vary based on soil pH, but generally, they lean towards shades of blue.
This cultivar prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Endless Summer Hydrangea
Part of the popular “Endless Summer” series, “BloomStruck” hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla “BloomStruck”) is renowned for its ability to bloom on both old and new growth. This variety features large, rounded flower heads with a mix of blue, pink, and purple hues. The flower color can be influenced by soil pH, with acidic soil producing more blue tones.
“BloomStruck” hydrangea thrives in part shade and requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture.
Let’s Dance Blue Jangles
Another hydrangea option with majestic blue blooms is the “Let’s Dance Blue Jangles” (Hydrangea macrophylla “Let’s Dance Blue Jangles”). This cultivar showcases large, flattened flower heads that range in color from sky blue to deep periwinkle. Its compact size and sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for container gardening or smaller garden spaces.
“Let’s Dance Blue Jangles” hydrangea prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Bloomstruck Hydrangea Common Diseases and Pests
One of the key factors that exacerbate plant diseases in Hydrangea is poor air circulation. When the gentle caress of the breeze is hindered, leaf spots, bacterial wilt, and bud blight find fertile ground to wreak havoc. These plant diseases thrive in stagnant environments, where moisture lingers and creates a breeding ground for their destructive presence.
Add to this, fungal infections are another relentless foe that seizes the opportunity to compromise plants. Yet by fostering a culture of prevention and care, healthy plants can ward off the encroachment of diseases. It begins with ensuring adequate air circulation, allowing the soothing whispers of the wind to brush through the foliage and prevent the stagnation that diseases thrive upon.
Furthermore, vigilance against common pests becomes paramount, as early detection and prompt intervention can shield these delicate blooms from harm. Regular inspections and the implementation of suitable pest management strategies can serve as a shield against unwanted invaders.
Fungal infections, too, can be kept at bay by practicing good hygiene and employing preventive measures. Proper watering techniques that avoid overhead irrigation and promote well-drained soil can minimize the conditions conducive to fungal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrangeas symbolize gratitude, grace, and heartfelt emotions.
Hydrangea flowers are said to signify loneliness. Hence, they’re not advisable to have inside the home.
Original hydrangeas transition from deep pink to purple, while Bloomstruck hydrangeas transform from blue or purple to pink or red.
Ideally, using vinegar in the soil can lower down pH level, however, it is not advisable as a long-term solution.
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