Hydrangeas remain one of the most popular plants in British gardens, and with good reason. The blooms of Hydrangea Annabelle are arriving in style this season, but many gardeners wonder whether their woody frame is healthy after winter. A gardener known as Tom Strowlger, who runs the social media account Garden with Tom, has shared four essential things anyone with hydrangeas should know to keep them thriving.
Best Spot for Your Hydrangea
A shrub with delicate blooms can wither in too much sunshine and heat. According to Tom, a spot in the garden with part sun is ideal, as the Hydrangea Annabelle has time to recover from any hot sun during the shady part of the day. This balance helps prevent scorching while ensuring enough light for healthy growth.
Planting or Repotting Hydrangea Annabelle
Hydrangea Annabelle can be planted in a sizeable pot, container, or garden pot. The potted hydrangea can be fed with a Hydrangea Feed every month during the growing season, boosting the compost within. Tom explains that they can be bought and planted any time of the year, even summertime, provided they are watered regularly to ensure the roots and shrub do not dry out. However, the best times are early spring and autumn when the ground is warm, soft, and moist.
Watering Tips
Regular watering at the base of the plant will keep it in peak condition. Tom offers a catchy saying: "Hydrangea by name, Hydration by nature." This emphasizes the plant's need for consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Pruning for New Blooms
The blooms grow on new growth, so a winter pruning to tidy up the woody frame is recommended. Tom advises that old wood serves as the starting point for new growth, and with new growth comes the white blooms. A winter pruning involves cutting away this year's growth and spent blooms, leaving the woody frame for the next cycle of new growth and buds. He describes the shrub as "just too good to be missed out on."
For those interested in ordering Hydrangea Annabelle, Tom suggests visiting Thompson & Morgan and using his promo code TMTAWTOM12 to get 12% off orders of £20 or more. He also invites followers to connect on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @garden_with_tom for more seasonal gardening advice.
