Princess Hydrangea is a captivating flowering shrub, known for its abundant and beautiful blooms. Its showy flowers and attractive foliage make it a prominent feature in various garden designs. This adaptable plant flourishes in diverse settings, offering a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Princess Hydrangea Characteristics
Princess Hydrangea, including cultivars like ‘Princess Lace’ or ‘Princess Juliana’, grows as a broadleaf deciduous shrub, reaching 3 to 5 feet in both height and width. Its lush green leaves provide a rich backdrop for the impressive blooms, which emerge in summer and can continue into fall.
Bloom colors vary; for instance, ‘Princess Lace’ produces lavender, pink, and white flowers, while ‘Princess Juliana’ features white blooms that may later turn pink or red. Some ‘Princess’ varieties have star-like or double-petal structures. These hydrangeas are hardy in USDA Zones 6a through 10a.
Planting Princess Hydrangea
Selecting the right location is important for Princess Hydrangea. These shrubs thrive in areas with mostly sun to dappled shade; morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to protect them from intense heat. Proper drainage is crucial, as hydrangeas prefer moist but well-drained soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Before planting, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter. Amending heavy clay or sandy soils with compost improves both drainage and moisture retention. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the plant was in its nursery pot. After removing the plant from its container, gently loosen any circling roots before placing it in the hole. Backfill with soil, ensuring the plant sits at the same depth, then water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Essential Care for Princess Hydrangea
Consistent watering is important for Princess Hydrangea, especially during its first two years and dry periods. The soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged, as prolonged wetness can lead to root issues. Water deeply two to three times a week, directing water to the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent disease. Wilting leaves indicate inadequate watering, while brown leaf edges can indicate overwatering.
Applying organic mulch around the plant’s base helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. While hydrangeas benefit from occasional feeding, over-fertilization, particularly with excessive nitrogen, can promote foliage growth at the expense of blooms. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth begins, and potentially again in mid-summer, is sufficient. Spread fertilizer over the plant’s drip line rather than directly at the trunk and water it in immediately. Princess Hydrangea thrives in moderate temperatures (60-70°F) but can withstand winter temperatures down to -40°F.
Pruning Princess Hydrangea
Understanding the blooming habits of Princess Hydrangea is important for effective pruning. Many varieties, such as ‘Princess Lace’ and ‘Princess Juliana’, are Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) that bloom on old wood, meaning flower buds form on stems from the previous year’s growth. Pruning these types at the wrong time can inadvertently remove developing flower buds, resulting in fewer blooms.
For Bigleaf Hydrangeas, the ideal time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade in late summer. This allows the plant sufficient time to develop new growth and set buds for the following season. Focus on removing spent flower heads, dead, damaged, or weak stems, and any branches that cross or rub. When reducing the plant’s size or shaping it, remove no more than one-third of the total growth, cutting just above a node or a healthy set of leaves. Using clean, sharp bypass pruners ensures clean cuts that are healthier for the plant.
Troubleshooting Common Princess Hydrangea Problems
Princess Hydrangeas can encounter issues, though they generally exhibit good disease resistance. Leaf spot is a common concern, appearing as yellowing leaves with circular brown or purple spots, often caused by fungal pathogens like Cercospora. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent these diseases. If infection occurs, remove diseased leaves and apply an appropriate fungicide.
Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can affect Princess Hydrangeas by feeding on plant sap, leading to distorted leaves or reduced vigor. Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap if infestations are significant. Wilting can indicate underwatering, environmental stress, or bacterial wilt. Consistent monitoring and addressing cultural issues like proper watering and spacing are the first lines of defense against most problems.