As fall approaches, many gardeners may unknowingly be putting their hydrangeas at risk. Common mistakes such as excessive pruning and untimely trimming can have a negative impact on next year’s blooms, leading to less vibrant plants in the spring.
Clair Albone, Wickes’ Garden Category Manager, is dispelling prevalent myths related to autumn garden care and offering expert advice to protect plants, promote their health, and ensure a stunning garden once the winter chill subsides.
Hydrangeas have been a standout in summer gardens and are gaining popularity on social media and in entertainment, with influencers showcasing their vibrant blooms and appearances in TV shows like ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’. To ensure these flowers bloom year after year, gardeners need to avoid two common autumn mistakes: excessive deadheading and neglecting soil maintenance.
According to Clair, it’s essential to leave dried hydrangea blooms over winter to shield buds from frost. Deadheading should be done in early spring before new growth emerges. Protecting roots by covering them with natural materials like Wickes Bark Chips or fallen leaves helps retain moisture, nourish the soil, and prevent winter damage.
For those looking to get a head start on next year’s gardening and secure some sought-after summer blooms, Gardening Express is offering the Giant Blue Mophead Hydrangeas at a discounted price of £24.99, down from £39.99, providing a £15 saving for shoppers.
These hydrangeas, known for their large blue flowers and prolific blooming, are expected to produce up to 30 strong flower heads in their initial flowering season. Trimmed near ground level each winter, they will yield abundant new stems and large blooms every summer, showcasing their vigor upon arrival.
Gardening Express also has Amazing Powder Blue Hydrangeas for £19.99, reduced from £39.99, and Large Pink Mophead Hydrangeas for £12.99, down from £22.99. Dobies offers the Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Danube’ for £29.99, while Gardener’s Dream presents the ‘Soft Pink Salsa’ Hydrangeas for £34.99.
By providing valuable insights and discounts on popular hydrangea varieties, gardening enthusiasts can enhance their garden aesthetics and prepare for a thriving season ahead.