If you’re growing hydrangeas in your garden you’re no doubt looking forward to summer – when they come out in a full glorious bloom. But experts have warned that you need to be careful not to over-fertilise them with one popular nutrient.
Hydrangeas are easily one of the UK’s most popular garden plants. Their distinct halos of blossoms are instantly recognisable, as is their sweet floral scent. Even better, gardeners can choose whether they want them to turn out blue or pink. They’re also famously easy to maintain, as they thrive in the mild British climate.
One of the best ways to keep your hydrangeas lush is by fertilising them. Fertiliser is an organic compound that provides the soil with necessary plant nutrients.
These are then absorbed through the flower’s roots. In turn, they can promote faster and healthier plant growth, as well as encourage more blossoms. Hydrangeas are no exception and will produce a full cascade of blossoms if fed the correct diet. Three of their most crucial nutrients are phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen.
In particular, nitrogen plays a key role in photosynthesis, which is fundamental to a plant’s survival. This is because it is a main component of chlorophyll – the tissue which allows plants to absorb light.
A deficiency of nitrogen can severely damage your hydrangeas. It can cause old leaves to wither and turn yellow as well as stunt the growth of its flowers, ruining the look of your garden.
Fortunately, if you notice your hydrangeas could use some perking up, it’s easy to find nitrogen-based fertilisers. You can either pick them up at your local homeware store or order them online. However, be careful not to become overzealous with its application. Experts caution that too much nitrogen can have an adverse effect. Especially if your aim is to create more bountiful blooms.
DIY Everywhere writes: “One of the most common mistakes is over-fertilizing with nitrogen. While nitrogen is essential for plant growth, too much can lead to excessive leaf production at the expense of blooms. This results in lush foliage but few flowers.”
Excess nitrogen can lead to a host of other problems, too. It can cause leaves to become thick and cupped, or even discoloured. It can also make them more vulnerable to pests and bug infestations.
To avoid this, DIY Everywhere recommends buying a balanced fertilizer containing a mixture of ingredients. Equally, it’s important to always follow the instructions on the applicator.
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