Gardening in Spring, 2014 (IV): Hydrangea

Finally after almost 3 years since it was introduced to the garden, our hydrangea is going to bloom this year.

It has been a anxiety-making process since the first flower buds were discovered beneath folded leaves in early May. I started to look for information regarding the ways in which to ensure its blossoms. Many days were spent worrying about slight signs of invasion of insects; many more days were wasted on wondering if my home-concocted insecticide would damage those flourishing mopheads.

In the end, despite all my concerns, they seem all managed to emerge from their leafy cradles and get ready for their time: the rainy season.

Our hydrangea is supposed to yield flowers of the colour of lazurite. However, given that the colour of hydrangea is determined by the pH of soil, and that it has been 3 years since its arrival, I do not know what shade I should expect this year. No discrimination against other colours though. Yet, I still think the colour of lazurite gives a mysterious and regal look, while others seem too amicable. Therefore, after all the worries regarding whether it would bloom or not, my new anxiety is as to what shade the flowers would be. (Will there be an end???!!!) Some research on the Internet told me that the level of acidity in the soil has to be reduced; therefore, I started covering the ground around its root with used ground coffee and tea leaves, which are expected to balance the pH level.

Today, I spotted an almost invisible tint of blue at the edge of one of the greenish white petals, a diluted shade which my camera is doomed to miss, and which is very likely undetectable to others.

Fingers crossed for lazurite blue.

Update on 4/June/2014

The mopheads are growing under unexpected heat before the rainy season, which is bound to start tomorrow. The shade of the petals is changing everyday, and excitingly the colour of blue seems to be emerging!

Update on 10 June, 2014

The photo was taken on the third day of the rainy season, which kicked off with a quite unbelievable pour.  Regrettably, the mopheads look very pale with only a very light tinge of blue and purple on some edges of petals. Yet, I am already very grateful to the blossoms.