What is a trunk?
Usually hydrangeas grow rather broad and bushy and therefore require a lot of space in the flower bed. In the case of the trunk, the lowest branches are cut so that a trunk with a richly branched crown is formed, like a tree. To do this, it is necessary to cut the hydrangea over and over again.
also read
- Which soil does the hydrangea prefer
- Hydrangea growth: how big and wide is the hydrangea?
- Is the hydrangea poisonous to dogs and pets?
Purchased hydrangea trunks are sometimes grafted onto the trunk. This technique is not very easy with hydrangeas and should therefore be left to the specialist.
The spring cut
In March, the crown of the hydrangea stem is thinned. This stimulates the hydrangea to sprout and promotes abundance of flowers. Make sure that the crown is built evenly:
- Consistently cut out crossings.
- Cut off weak shoots.
- Shorten the shoots to one eye.
- Also remove dead and frozen branches.
The high trunk now has a clear structure, which consists exclusively of strong branches.
Cut throughout the year
In order for the hydrangea to continue to grow as a stem, all deeper sprouting branches must be removed during the entire growing season. Cut this off directly on the trunk with a very sharp cutting tool.
Fertilizing and watering
Standard hydrangeas need a lot of water and often need to be watered twice on hot days. For abundance of flowers, it is advisable to feed the hydrangea with a special hydrangea fertilizer every two weeks.
Colors preserved
To ensure that the standard hydrangea does not lose its beautiful tint, you should regularly check the pH of the soil.
- Red hydrangeas need a slightly basic substrate. If the soil is acidic, it has to be limed.
- A pink standard hydrangea will thrive in almost any soil.
- Blue hydrangeas need an acidic substrate to absorb the aluminum contained in the soil. Place these standard stems in special hydrangea or rhododendron soil. If the flower color fades, you can add a little hydrangea blue to the fertilizer.
Tips & Tricks
Since hydrangeas on the trunk are often cut, you should choose a variety from cut group 2 that will bloom on this year's wood.
