Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Your Hydrangea 'Magical Candle' arrives as an established plant, approximately 80-100cm tall in an 18cm pot, ready for planting.
- Choose a Location: Select a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Ensure the location offers some protection from strong winds to preserve the standard shape.
- Prepare the Planting Site: If planting in the ground, dig a hole twice the width of the pot and just as deep. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure for improved drainage and fertility.
- Planting: Gently remove the plant from its pot. If the roots are tightly bound, loosen them slightly. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
Compatibility:
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It is adaptable to various soil types but performs best with added organic matter.
- Companions: Suitable for planting alongside other shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses that appreciate similar light and moisture conditions.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently for plants in containers.
- Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears.
- Winter Care: In colder climates, consider providing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late autumn to protect the roots. Container-grown plants may benefit from being moved to a sheltered location or protected with horticultural fleece.