We have finally made it to March – and this month gardeners young and old will be celebrating the arrival of spring! After the long, cold, and obviously wet months of autumn and winter, many will start to feel the buzz of inspiration for what is to come, so it’s time to pick up the trowel and head outdoors.
So, kick-off the new season with the spellbinding delight that is our Plant of the Month, Hydrangea ‘Magical Candle’!
Thankfully, you won’t have to wait too long to bask in the glory of the blooms of this Hydrangea, as it flowers from July to September – so be sure to plant now.
Emerging as an impressive, deciduous shrub, ‘Magical Candle’ produces an abundance of colour-changing flowers, gathering in clumps above rich, dark green leaves.
Plus, the flowers sit on strong stems, avoiding all risk of the branches bending under the weight.
The flowers first open brightly tinged in a soft green, before evolving to pure white – mirroring the whipped tops of delicious vanilla ice-cream cones – then taking on a slight pink hue with age.
This is a real treat for the garden, looking admirable in all manner of scenarios. So, whether your first target for this spring’s gardening efforts are those tired borders, flowerbeds left empty by seasonal conditions, or a new pot from grandma for the patio, ‘Magical Candle’ is sure to thrive.
In fact, this is even the perfect plant for those who made it a New Year’s Resolution to try their arm at gardening, as it is easy to grow, hardy even in temperatures as low as -10C, and can be planted in either fully or partially shaded spots.
The beauty ‘Magical Candle’ offers does not even end in just the garden, as the cone-like floral formations can be cut, dried, and brought inside as part of a vase display or left on the plant into winter for added structure.
So, is this Hydrangea going to feature in your summertime garden for 2024? If so, you can purchase bare roots here, which will arrive at your door as roughly 40cm long plants, dormant and without any soil, ready to be planted immediately.
Quick Tips For Your New Hydrangea
- These Hydrangeas are not as fussy about soil pH as some of their mophead cousins, but do appreciate a fertile and moist soil, in a spot where they are shaded from the sun for at least part of the day.
- Although fully hardy, ‘Magical Candle’ doesn’t like cold winds, and frost may damage young growth in spring, so plant somewhere sheltered.
- Mulching with organic material in spring will help to keep the surrounding soil moist and your plant happy in summer.
- Easily kept compact by pruning, this will also help produce larger, if fewer, flowers. Pruning is easy, simply cut back last year’s side shoots to within 5cm of the older wood in early spring.
Planting Bare Root Hydrangea into the Ground
- Select an appropriate spot for your plants, making sure that you give them enough space to grow.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the roots, forking over the bottom to loosen the soil.
- Then add some good quality fertiliser such as Blood Fish & Bone – be sure to wash your hands after use.
- Aim to plant at the same depth as the soil mark on the trunk. Holding the tree or plant upright in position with one hand, slowly backfill the hole with the other hand, using the soil removed.
- Gently shake the plant, so the soil falls around the roots. Use your heel to compact the soil around the plant to make good contact with the roots.
Planting Bare Root Hydrangea into a Pot
- If you’re planting into pots, place some old rocks, stones, or gravel in the bottom of the pot to boost drainage.
- Always try to use the best compost you can buy – our Premium Professional Compost mix makes a real difference in terms of growth.
- Add some sand or grit when planting to aid drainage.
- You are again aiming to plant to the depth of the soil mark. Firm down as you fill and press down hard with your heel when the pot is full.
