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| Lemon Daddy Hydrangea |
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Daddy' is a type of hydrangea plant
that is known for its unique and vibrant yellow-green foliage. The leaves of
this plant have a striking lemon-lime color that adds a bright and cheery
accent to any garden or landscape.
In addition to its distinctive foliage, 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea
also produces large clusters of mophead flowers in shades of pink and blue. The
color of the flowers can be influenced by the pH level of the soil, with acidic
soil producing blue blooms and alkaline soil producing pink blooms.
This hydrangea plant is a compact variety that typically grows to
a height of around 3 feet and has a similar spread. It is well-suited to use as
a low hedge or border plant, as well as in mixed container gardens or as a
focal point in smaller gardens.
Like most hydrangeas, 'Lemon Daddy' prefers a location with
partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil
consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during hot summer months.
Regular pruning can help to maintain the shape and size of the plant and
promote healthy growth and flowering.
Hydrangea macrophylla Lemon Daddy light and Temperature:
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Daddy' prefers a location with
partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight in the
morning or late afternoon, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and
damage the plant.
As for temperature, 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea is hardy in USDA zones
5-9, which means it can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, it prefers
cooler temperatures and may struggle in areas with hot and humid summers. In
hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade and regular watering to
keep the soil moist.
In general, a temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C) is ideal for
this plant, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C) in the
winter if properly mulched and protected. It is important to avoid planting
'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea in areas with strong winds or exposed locations, as
this can damage the delicate foliage and blooms.
Lemon Daddy best-growing media:
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Daddy' prefers a well-draining soil
that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal for this
plant. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its
nutrient content and drainage.
When planting 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea, it's important to ensure
that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Hydrangeas are susceptible to root
rot if they are planted in soil that is too wet. Adding a layer of mulch around
the base of the plant can help to retain soil moisture and regulate soil
temperature.
If you're planting 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea in a container, use a
high-quality potting mix that is formulated for acid-loving plants. You can add
perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration. Be sure to choose a
container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system, and
place it in a location with partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Lemon Daddy water and fertilizer:
'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea requires regular watering to keep the soil
consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During hot and dry weather, it may be
necessary to water the plant more frequently to prevent the soil from drying
out. It's a good idea to water deeply so that the roots can absorb the
moisture they need to grow and thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea, it's important
to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth and a reduction
in flower production. You can fertilize the plant in the spring with a
balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula.
Avoid fertilizing the plant after mid-summer, as this can stimulate new growth
that may not have time to harden off before winter.
If you want to encourage blue blooms, you can amend the soil with
aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur to lower the pH and make the soil more
acidic. If you want to encourage pink blooms, you can add lime to the soil to
raise the pH and make the soil more alkaline. However, it's important to note
that 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea may produce blooms in shades of both pink and
blue, regardless of the soil pH.
Lemon Daddy Pruning and propagation:
Pruning is an important part of caring for 'Lemon Daddy'
hydrangea. Regular pruning can help to maintain the shape and size of the
plant, promote healthy growth and flowering, and prevent disease and insect problems.
Here are some tips for pruning 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea:
- Prune
the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove
any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Cut
back the previous year's growth to just above the first healthy bud. This
will help to stimulate new growth and promote a bushy, compact shape.
- Remove
any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
- If
you want to encourage larger flowers, you can prune the plant more
severely. Cut back the branches to just a few inches above the ground.
This will encourage the plant to produce fewer, but larger, blooms.
'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea can be propagated through stem cuttings,
which is a relatively easy process. Here's how to propagate 'Lemon Daddy'
hydrangea:
- Take
stem cuttings in late summer or early fall, when the plant is actively
growing. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems that are 4-6 inches long.
- Remove
the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting
hormone powder.
- Insert
the stem cutting into a pot filled with moist potting soil or perlite.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
- Place
the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the
soil moist but not waterlogged.
- After
a few weeks, check the cuttings for roots by gently tugging on the stem.
If there is resistance, the roots have started to grow.
- Once
the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into individual pots or into the
garden.
Pests and control diseases:
'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea is generally a healthy and hardy plant,
but like any plant, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some
common pests and diseases that can affect 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea, and how to
control them:
Pests:
- Aphids:
These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant and can cause
distorted growth and yellowing leaves. Control aphids by spraying the
plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Spider
mites: These tiny pests can cause webbing on the plant and yellowing
leaves. Control spider mites by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap
or horticultural oil.
- Scale
insects: These pests look like small bumps on the plant and can cause
yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Control scale insects by scraping
them off the plant with a soft-bristled brush and spraying the plant with
horticultural oil.
Diseases:
- Powdery
mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves
and can lead to leaf drop and reduced flowering. Control powdery mildew by
improving air circulation around the plant and spraying the plant with a
fungicide.
- Leaf
spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves and
can lead to leaf drops. Control leaf spots by improving air circulation
around the plant and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
- Root
rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil and can lead to wilted leaves and root decay. Control root rot by
improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Prevention is the best approach to controlling pests and diseases
in 'Lemon Daddy' hydrangea. Provide the plant with proper care, including
regular watering and fertilization, and monitor the plant for signs of pests or
disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent the problem from spreading
and causing more damage.
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