2 minute read
in the garden
in the garden
heavenly hydrangeas
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BY BETTY MORRELL
We have reached July and the Hazy, Hot, and Humid season, which will be with us for the next several months. It is the time of year when “armchair” gardeners admire their lovely gardens created while planning in the winter months. However, new plants arrive daily at your local garden center, so you can add more color if you need it.
Remember: this is the time of year when planting becomes more difficult, so for your own comfort and that of the new to-be-planted flowers and shrubs, plant in early morning or early evening so that the plants can sustain themselves through the heat of the day. Watering is essential; it is the magic ingredient for luxurious lawns, blooming flowers, and productive vegetable gardens.
Taking a stroll back in time, I remember a couple of homes in Long Point at Amelia Island Plantation that had large gardens filled with Hydrangeas of all colors, sizes, and types in their front landscape. One couldn’t help admiring these beautiful shrubs with their magnificent blooms of blue, pink, and white, with a few multi-colored.
Many new colors are now available, and the spectacular blooms will continue through summer and fall.
I have become a fan of the Hydrangea. Many gardeners overlook Hydrangeas because they don’t realize how handsome and reliable the new varieties are and that they fit into any garden as a specimen shrub, hedge, or potted for the patio. The new ones can be grown in sun, but delight in a little dappled shade in the hottest part of the day. Do enjoy one or two of these beauties in your landscape.
Some varieties of Japanese Red Maples have been difficult to grow on Amelia Island because when it freezes, so do the red maples, and they die back or die completely. They also do not tolerate intense heat. However, I have come across a beautiful, hardy variety for our area: Japanese Red Maple Tamukeyana, one of the oldest Japanese Maples, with records on it dating back to 1710.
This tree has outstanding foliage throughout the seasons. When the new foliage unfolds, it is a deep crimson red, and soon turns to a dark purple-red until late summer. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright scarlet. This tree does well in both heat and humidity. A strong cascading form catches the eye as it grows 5 to 7 feet in the landscape in ten years. Planted in a container, this lacey-leafed tree grows 4 to 6 feet.
If left to do its own thing, the branches of this beautiful tree will cascade to the ground, forming a beautiful mound of color and adding delicacy to your landscape. Use it as a specimen tree or plant it in a large pot for a beautiful addition to your porch or patio. You will enjoy this tree for many years to come.
If you have any questions, email me at bamorrell@aol.com. In the meantime, Happy Gardening!
TIP OF THE MONTH
Hydrangeas can be made (or kept) blue by applying aluminum sulfate to the soil, or pink by liming the soil or applying super phosphate. Apply well ahead of the bloom to be effective.
