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Description
Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue is a deciduous flowering shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. This plant is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide and has a compact, rounded growth habit. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and serrated, and the flowers are large, round clusters of blue blooms that appear in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
Appearance
Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue is a beautiful shrub that adds color and texture to any garden or landscape. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and serrated, and the flowers are large, round clusters of blue blooms that can be up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and can last for several weeks. The plant has a compact, rounded growth habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Care Guide
To keep your Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue healthy and blooming, follow these care tips:- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week or more often during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.- Sunlight: Plant in partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent sunburn.- Hardiness Zones: Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to:- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and flowers. Treat with a fungicide.- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap.- Spider Mites: Tiny, red or yellow insects that spin webs on the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue is native to Japan, Korea, and China and prefers cool, moist climates. It grows well in partial shade to full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is commonly found in gardens, landscapes, and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue?
A: Water deeply once a week or more often during hot, dry weather.Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue?
A: Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue?
A: Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.Q: What is the best time to fertilize Hydrangea Macrophylla Little Blue?
A: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Related Plants
– Hydrangea Macrophylla- Hydrangea Paniculata- Hydrangea Arborescens- Hydrangea Quercifolia
References
– “Hydrangea Macrophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e189.- “Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Little Blue’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3389/little-blue-hydrangea/.- “Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Little Blue’.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/hydrangea-macrophylla-little-blue.
