The ‘Blaumeise’ Hydrangea, also known as ‘Blue Tit’ or ‘Teller Blue,’ is a popular garden plant celebrated for its vibrant blue blooms. Its distinctive flower form adds captivating color to landscapes.
Understanding Blaumeise Hydrangea
‘Blaumeise’ (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blaumeise’) is a vigorous deciduous shrub, part of the Swiss-bred Teller series. This cultivar typically grows to a height of 3 to 7 feet and spreads 3 to 6 feet wide, forming a rounded, bushy habit. Its foliage consists of coarsely toothed, glossy dark green leaves, which provide a rich backdrop for the flowers.
Its lacecap flower form features large, flattened flowerheads, up to 9 inches across, with a central cluster of tiny, fertile blue flowers surrounded by larger, showy cobalt blue florets. In alkaline soils, these outer florets may turn pink; in acidic conditions, they display vibrant blue. The plant received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Planting and General Care
Choosing the right location is important for ‘Blaumeise’ Hydrangea health and bloom production. An ideal site provides morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching. Planting on the north or south side of a home often provides balanced light. Avoid planting directly under trees, as they can compete for essential water and nutrients.
‘Blaumeise’ thrives in rich, well-drained soils that retain consistent moisture. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and nutrient content, especially in heavy clay or sandy soils. Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the plant sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil for proper drainage.
Consistent watering is crucial; ‘Blaumeise’ is not drought-tolerant and prefers moist conditions. During the growing season, aim for about 1 inch of water per week, applied deeply three times a week. Water in the morning to help the plant cope with heat stress and prevent fungal issues. Apply organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine needles, to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
A slow-release, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. For blue blooms, choose a fertilizer low in phosphorus and high in potassium, as phosphorus can bind with aluminum. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Achieving Vibrant Blue Blooms
The captivating blue color of ‘Blaumeise’ Hydrangea flowers is influenced by soil chemistry. The presence and availability of aluminum in the soil dictate bloom color. Blue flowers occur when aluminum is accessible to the plant, most effectively in acidic soil conditions.
To encourage vibrant blue blooms, maintain soil pH in an acidic range (ideally 5.2-5.5). If soil is alkaline, lowering the pH is necessary to make aluminum soluble for plant uptake.
Aluminum sulfate (1/2 ounce per gallon of water) can be applied throughout the growing season; ensure the plant is well-watered beforehand to prevent root burn. Elemental sulfur is another, more gradual option to lower soil pH.
Start treatments in late fall or early spring, well in advance of flowering, as effects can take months. Highly alkaline tap water can counteract efforts to lower soil pH, so use rainwater or distilled water. Avoid planting near concrete foundations or sidewalks, as lime leaching can raise soil pH and hinder blue coloration.
Pruning for Optimal Growth and Blooms
‘Blaumeise’ Hydrangea, a Hydrangea macrophylla cultivar, primarily blooms on old wood. Understanding this is crucial for proper pruning; incorrect pruning can remove developing flower buds, resulting in few or no blooms.
Prune ‘Blaumeise’ immediately after flowering in late summer or early fall to allow the plant to set new buds. Deadheading spent flowerheads improves appearance and directs energy towards new growth.
Beyond deadheading, remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood in late winter or early spring. Shaping the plant and thinning older, weaker stems promotes air circulation and vigor. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can negatively impact subsequent blooms.
Winter Protection
Protecting ‘Blaumeise’ Hydrangea is important in regions with harsh winters (USDA Zones 5-6). While frost hardy, extreme cold can damage overwintering flower buds on old wood, potentially reducing blooms. Ensure adequate moisture before the first hard frost.
Apply a generous layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine needles, around the base in late fall to insulate roots. This mulch regulates soil temperature, protecting shallow roots from freezing and thawing. In very cold areas, covering the shrub with burlap or a plant cover shields branches and buds from harsh winds and freezing temperatures.
Containerized ‘Blaumeise’ Hydrangeas require more critical winter protection, as smaller pots are susceptible to freezing. Move them to an unheated garage, shed, or sheltered outdoor location. Wrapping pots with burlap or bubble wrap provides extra insulation.