Table of Contents
Introduction
The BloomStruck® Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘P11HM-11’) is a standout member of the Endless Summer series. Known for its remarkable ability to bloom on both old and new wood, it offers a continuous display of vibrant pink, purple, or blue flowers throughout the growing season. This versatile and hardy hydrangea thrives in a variety of climates and soils, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking reliable and long-lasting beauty in their landscapes. With its robust growth and stunning blooms, BloomStruck® adds a touch of elegance and color to any garden.
Exploring 4 Varieties of BloomStruck Hydrangea Plants
BloomStruck® is itself a specific variety of the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) and part of the Endless Summer series. While there aren’t sub-varieties of BloomStruck®, the Endless Summer series includes several notable varieties, each with its unique characteristics:
1. Endless Summer® The Original: This variety is the first in the series, known for its ability to bloom on both old and new wood, producing pink or blue flowers depending on the soil pH.
2. Endless Summer® Blushing Bride: This hydrangea produces pure white flowers that gradually take on a blush of pink or blue as they age, also blooming on both old and new wood.
3. Endless Summer® Twist-n-Shout®: A lacecap variety, Twist-n-Shout® features large blooms with a central cluster of small flowers surrounded by showy petals, varying from pink to blue depending on soil pH.
4. Endless Summer® Summer Crush®: Known for its compact size and vivid raspberry red or neon purple blooms, this variety also blooms on both old and new wood, providing a bright pop of color in the garden.
Each of these varieties shares the common trait of reblooming throughout the season, offering extended periods of floral display and versatility in garden design.
How to Grow and Care for BloomStruck Hydrangea Plant
Growing and caring for a BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea involves several key steps to ensure it thrives and produces beautiful blooms. Here’s a guide to help you:
Planting
- Location: Choose a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can reduce blooming.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. BloomStruck® hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soil, but they can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Spacing: Space plants about 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- Planting Time: The best time to plant is in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder.
Watering
- Frequency: Water deeply at least once a week, more often during hot, dry periods. Consistent moisture is key, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilizing
- Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas in early spring.
- Frequency: Fertilize once in early spring and again in mid-summer if needed. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms.
Pruning
- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood and shape the plant as needed.
- Old and New Wood: Since BloomStruck® blooms on both old and new wood, be careful not to over-prune, which can reduce the number of blooms.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and scale. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.
- Diseases: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Winter Care
- Protection: In colder climates, add a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect the roots from freezing.
- Containers: If growing in a container, move the plant to a sheltered location or provide insulation to protect it from extreme cold.
Flower Color Adjustment
- Soil pH: The color of BloomStruck® hydrangea flowers can change based on soil pH. For blue flowers, the soil needs to be more acidic (pH 5.2-5.5). For pink flowers, the soil should be more alkaline (pH 6.0-6.2).
- Amendments: To make the soil more acidic, add aluminum sulfate. To make it more alkaline, add lime. Always follow product instructions and test soil pH before making changes.
By following these care guidelines, your BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea will reward you with vibrant and abundant blooms throughout the growing season.
7 Steps for Propagating BloomStruck Hydrangea Plant
Propagating a BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea can be done through several methods, with stem cuttings being the most common and effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide for propagating your hydrangea:
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
1. Preparation:
- Tools: Gather a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears, a small pot, rooting hormone, and a plastic bag or a clear plastic container.
- Timing: The best time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
2. Taking Cuttings:
- Selection: Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem with at least 2-3 leaf nodes (the points where leaves attach to the stem).
- Cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch section from the tip of the stem. Make the cut just below a leaf node.
3. Preparing the Cuttings:
- Leaves: Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top two or three pairs of leaves.
- Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
4. Planting the Cuttings:
- Soil: Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
- Planting: Insert the cutting into the soil, burying at least one node. Firm the soil around the cutting to provide support.
- Watering: Water the cutting thoroughly to settle the soil around it.
5. Creating a Humid Environment:
- Covering: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This helps retain humidity and encourages rooting.
- Ventilation: Make small holes in the plastic to allow for air circulation and prevent mold growth.
6. Caring for the Cuttings:
- Light: Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the cutting.
- Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check regularly and mist the cuttings if the environment becomes too dry.
- Temperature: Maintain a warm temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
7. Root Development:
- Timeframe: Roots should begin to develop within 2-4 weeks. Gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
- Transplanting: Once the cutting has developed a strong root system (typically after 6-8 weeks), it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Additional Propagation Methods
Layering:
- Selection: Choose a low-growing branch and bend it down to the ground.
- Wounding: Make a small wound on the underside of the branch where it will touch the soil.
- Securing: Secure the wounded part to the ground with a U-shaped pin or a small rock and cover it with soil.
- Rooting: Roots should form at the buried section within a few months. Once well-rooted, sever the new plant from the parent and transplant it.
Division:
- Timing: Best done in early spring or fall.
- Method: Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system.
- Replanting: Replant the divisions immediately in prepared soil.
By following these propagation steps, you can successfully grow new BloomStruck® hydrangea plants and expand your garden with these beautiful, flowering shrubs.
10 Benefits of BloomStruck Hydrangea Plant
BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea offers several benefits that make it a popular choice among gardeners. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Extended Blooming Season
- Reblooming: BloomStruck® hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood, ensuring a longer blooming period from spring through fall.
2. Vibrant Flower Colors
- Color Variety: The flowers can range from vivid pink to deep blue, depending on soil pH, allowing gardeners to customize their garden’s color palette.
- Color Stability: The blooms maintain their vibrant colors longer than many other hydrangea varieties.
3. Hardiness
- Climate Tolerance: BloomStruck® is more tolerant of varying climate conditions compared to other hydrangeas. It can withstand both heat and cold better than many other varieties.
4. Disease Resistance
- Resilient Foliage: The plant has excellent resistance to common hydrangea diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, ensuring healthier, more attractive foliage.
5. Versatile Growing Conditions
- Soil Adaptability: While it prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil, BloomStruck® can adapt to a variety of soil types.
- Sun/Shade Tolerance: It thrives in a range of light conditions, performing well in both full sun (with adequate moisture) and partial shade.
6. Landscape Appeal
- Aesthetic Value: The large, showy blooms and attractive foliage add significant visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: BloomStruck® can be used in various garden settings, including borders, hedges, containers, and as a standalone specimen plant.
7. Low Maintenance
- Easy Care: Once established, it requires minimal maintenance. Routine care includes regular watering, occasional feeding, and light pruning.
- Drought Tolerance: Although it prefers consistent moisture, BloomStruck® hydrangea has some drought tolerance once established.
8. Wildlife Attraction
- Pollinator Friendly: The blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
9. Winter Interest
- Stem Color: The red-purple stems add winter interest to the garden, providing color even when the plant is not in bloom.
10. Adaptable Size
- Compact Growth: BloomStruck® typically grows to a manageable size of about 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces and containers.
These benefits make BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color, resilience, and beauty to their outdoor spaces.
Common Pests
BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea, like other hydrangeas, can be affected by several common pests. Here’s a list of these pests along with some tips on how to manage them:
1. Aphids
- Description: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink.
- Damage: Aphids suck the sap from new growth, causing leaves to curl, distort, or turn yellow. They also excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.
- Management:
- Natural Predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Water Spray: Spray affected plants with a strong stream of water to knock aphids off.
- Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations.
Aphid Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Aphids
2. Spider Mites
- Description: Tiny, spider-like pests that are often red or yellow.
- Damage: Spider mites suck the sap from the undersides of leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. Webbing may be present.
- Management:
- Water Spray: Regularly spray the undersides of leaves with water to reduce mite populations.
- Miticides: Use horticultural oils or miticides if infestations are severe.
Spider Mite Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
3. Scale Insects
- Description: Small, immobile pests with a hard, protective covering. They can be white, brown, or black.
- Damage: Scale insects suck plant sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They also produce honeydew, leading to sooty mold.
- Management:
- Manual Removal: Gently scrape off scales with a soft brush or cloth.
- Horticultural Oil: Apply horticultural oil to suffocate scale insects.
Scale Insect Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Scale Insects
4. Slugs and Snails
- Description: Mollusks that feed on leaves, leaving irregular holes and slime trails.
- Damage: They primarily feed on young, tender leaves and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
- Management:
- Handpicking: Remove slugs and snails by hand, especially in the evening.
- Traps: Set up beer traps or use copper tape around pots and garden beds.
- Baits: Use slug and snail baits if infestations are severe.
Slug and Snail Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Slugs and Snails
5. Leaf Beetles
- Description: Small, often brightly colored beetles that feed on foliage.
- Damage: Leaf beetles chew holes in leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced plant vigor.
- Management:
- Handpicking: Remove beetles by hand.
- Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control beetle populations.
6. Caterpillars
- Description: Larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves.
- Damage: Caterpillars chew large holes in leaves or eat entire leaves, causing significant defoliation.
- Management:
- Handpicking: Remove caterpillars by hand.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Apply Bt, a biological pesticide, to control caterpillar populations.
Caterpillar Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Caterpillars
7. Whiteflies
- Description: Tiny, white, moth-like insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves.
- Damage: Whiteflies suck sap from plants, causing yellowing, wilting, and reduced vigor. They also produce honeydew, leading to sooty mold.
- Management:
- Yellow Sticky Traps: Use yellow sticky traps to capture adult whiteflies.
- Insecticidal Soap: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
Whitefly Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Whiteflies
Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to managing these pests and keeping your BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea healthy and thriving.
Common Problems
While BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea is known for its hardiness and resilience, it can still face a variety of common problems. Here are some issues to watch for, along with tips for managing them:
1. Leaf Spot Diseases
- Symptoms: Brown or black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo.
- Causes: Fungal infections, often due to prolonged wet conditions.
- Management:
- Air Circulation: Ensure good spacing and prune to improve air circulation.
- Watering: Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry.
- Fungicides: Apply a fungicide if the problem persists.
2. Powdery Mildew
- Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
- Causes: Fungal infection favored by high humidity and poor air circulation.
- Management:
- Air Circulation: Improve air flow around the plant.
- Resistant Varieties: Plant mildew-resistant hydrangea varieties.
- Fungicides: Use fungicides if the infection is severe.
3. Root Rot
- Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
- Causes: Overwatering or poorly draining soil leading to fungal infections.
- Management:
- Soil Drainage: Ensure the soil drains well and avoid overwatering.
- Raised Beds: Consider planting in raised beds or containers with good drainage.
4. Chlorosis
- Symptoms: Yellowing leaves with green veins.
- Causes: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron or magnesium, often due to alkaline soil.
- Management:
- Soil pH: Test and adjust soil pH if necessary. Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Fertilizers: Use fertilizers containing iron and magnesium.
5. Wilting
- Symptoms: Drooping or wilting leaves and stems.
- Causes: Underwatering, overwatering, or root damage.
- Management:
- Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, ensuring not to overwater or let the soil dry out completely.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
6. Poor Blooming
- Symptoms: Few or no blooms.
- Causes: Improper pruning, insufficient sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Management:
- Pruning: Prune correctly, leaving enough old wood as BloomStruck® blooms on both old and new wood.
- Sunlight: Ensure the plant gets enough light—morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
- Fertilizers: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
7. Leaf Burn
- Symptoms: Brown, crispy leaf edges.
- Causes: Too much direct sunlight, especially in hot climates.
- Management:
- Shade: Provide afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
- Mulching: Mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
8. Cold Damage
- Symptoms: Blackened, wilted leaves and stems after a frost.
- Causes: Exposure to late spring or early fall frosts.
- Management:
- Protection: Cover plants with frost cloths during unexpected cold snaps.
- Pruning: Remove damaged growth once the risk of frost has passed.
9. Insect Pests
- Symptoms: Holes in leaves, distorted growth, or sticky residue on leaves.
- Causes: Infestations of aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars.
- Management:
- Inspection: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests.
- Treatment: Use appropriate pest control methods such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or handpicking.
10. Nutrient Imbalances
- Symptoms: Poor growth, yellowing leaves, or reduced blooming.
- Causes: Over-fertilization or nutrient deficiencies.
- Management:
- Balanced Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and adjust accordingly.
By being aware of these common problems and their solutions, you can help ensure that your BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea remains healthy and vibrant. Regular monitoring and proper care are key to preventing and managing these issues.
FAQs
1. Are bloomstruck hydrangeas perennials?
Yes, BloomStruck® hydrangeas are perennials.
2. Are bloomstruck hydrangeas deer resistant?
No, BloomStruck® hydrangeas are not deer resistant. Deer may eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, especially if other food sources are scarce.
3. What color are bloomstruck hydrangeas?
BloomStruck® hydrangeas typically display a range of colors including shades of pink, purple, or blue, depending on the soil pH.
4. What is a bloomstruck hydrangea?
A BloomStruck® hydrangea, specifically Hydrangea macrophylla ‘P11HM-11’, is a type of bigleaf hydrangea. It’s notable for its ability to bloom on both old and new wood, ensuring continuous flowering throughout the growing season. The flowers can vary in color from pink to purple or blue, depending on the soil pH. BloomStruck® is part of the Endless Summer series of hydrangeas, prized for its resilience, color range, and extended blooming period.
5. Can bloomstruck hydrangeas take full sun?
BloomStruck® hydrangeas can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates or with sufficient moisture. However, they generally prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates or during the hottest parts of the day, to prevent leaf scorch and maintain optimal health and blooming.
6. What diseases affect hydrangeas?
Several diseases can affect hydrangeas, including:
1. Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, typically in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
2. Leaf Spot: Fungal infections that cause circular brown or black spots with yellow halos on leaves, leading to defoliation if severe.
3. Root Rot: Caused by fungal pathogens in poorly draining soil or overwatering, resulting in wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
4. Botrytis Blight: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on flowers and can spread to leaves and stems, particularly in cool, humid conditions.
5. Cercospora Leaf Spot: Another fungal disease that causes purple spots on leaves, leading to leaf drop and reduced plant vigor.
6. Bacterial Wilt: Bacterial infection that causes sudden wilting and death of foliage, often during warm, wet weather.
7. Viral Diseases: Various viral infections can cause mottling, yellowing, or distortion of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced flowering.
Proper cultural practices, such as good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and maintaining healthy soil conditions, can help prevent and manage these diseases in hydrangeas. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate fungicides or bactericides may be necessary if diseases occur.
7. How to spread hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas can be propagated through methods such as stem cuttings, layering, or division of the root ball.
8. How far apart for hydrangeas?
Plant hydrangeas approximately 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth space.
9. Can hydrangea blooms be dried?
Yes, hydrangea blooms can be dried and preserved for long-lasting floral arrangements.
10. Does bloomstruck hydrangea bloom on new wood?
Yes, BloomStruck® hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood.
11. How big do bloomstruck hydrangeas get?
BloomStruck® hydrangeas typically grow to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide at maturity.
12. When do bloomstruck hydrangeas bloom?
BloomStruck® hydrangeas bloom from late spring through fall.
13. How tall do bloomstruck hydrangeas grow?
BloomStruck® hydrangeas typically grow to about 3 to 4 feet tall.
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