Hydrangeas are in flower in many gardens, as well as being available in nursery and garden centres. Many people are familiar with the large heads of numerous individual flowers, in colours of pinks and blues.
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However, many people become disappointed when their plants flower a second time and the flowers have lost much of the colour intensity of the original flowers. This occurs because the flower colours are not determined by plant breeding. Instead, the type of soil determines flower colour.
Acid soil, with a pH value of 5-5.5 will result in blue flowers. An alkaline soil, where the pH value is 6.5-7.5, produces flowers in pinks and reds.
However, hydrangeas with white flowers will always produce white flowers, as they are not affected by the soil.
Hydrangeas are available in many, different growth habits and styles to suit a variety of positions and purposes, ranging from pot culture through to general garden habitats.
Lacecap varieties produce flowers that have an outer ring of large, sterile flowers, with an inner layer of tiny, sterile flowers. Flowers can be pink or blue. Some have variegated leaves, which add an extra, attractive dimension to the plants.
White-flowered hydrangeas combine very successfully with the blue and pink-flowered varieties. These plants prefer to be grown in a sheltered position as direct sun and wind may cause the blooms to discolour. Such a position will ensure a prolonged flowering season.
Growing hydrangeas under deciduous trees is an ideal situation as the plants will receive sun during the winter months, while receiving protection from the harsh sun of the summer months.
Two less-commonly grown white flowered hydrangeas are Hydrangea quercifolia and Hydrangea paniculata.
However, both varieties can be grown very successfully and can be interesting and valuable additions to the home garden.
Hydrangea quercifolia is commonly known as the oak-leaf hydrangea, because of the shape of the leaves, which are like giant oak leaves in appearance. The flowers are pyramidal in form, unlike the more common hydrangea flowers that are somewhat rounded and slightly raised in shape.
The flower heads actually consist of two different types of flowers. Large, while sterile flowers are on the outside, while tiny, fertile flowers cluster around the stem.
The fragrance of the flowers is similar to a field of clover. The leaves turn a deep, strong red in autumn. The colour intensifies in colder climates.
Hydrangea paniculata, sometimes known as the peegee hydrangea, produces creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape. Flowers appear later than the other varieties, during the summer months. Hydrangeas grow successfully from cuttings taken when the plants have finished flowering.
OFF THE SCALE
Scale on citrus trees is one of the more common pests that appear at this time of the year. The garden may not be aware that the sucking insects have attached themselves to the branches and leaves until they notice a trail of ants on the plant.
The scales exude a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew that is attractive to ants. The ants help spread the scale over the plants in order for them to produce more honeydew.
Honeydew also leads to sooty mould, which is a black dusty fungus. The sooty mould will soon appear on leaves and stems. If allowed to remain on a plant, the sooty mould will stunt the plant growth. Therefore, removal of the scales is necessary for the control and removal of sooty mould.
Small amounts of scale can be removed by scraping the stem and leaves with a toothbrush. However, larger infestations will require spraying with oil, which will suffocate the insect.
Make the oil spray by blending two cups of vegetable oil with one cup of pure liquid soap, and mix it until it turns white. Dilute one tablespoon of the emulsion to one litre of water and spray all affected areas thoroughly. Spray during milder temperatures, as the leaves may burn if it is applied when it is hotter.
EASY EGGPLANT
Aubergines, or eggplants, are one of the less-frequently grown vegetable. However, they grow well in home vegetable gardens, producing a good supply of the familiar deep purple fruits.
Seeds may be sown in seed trays and planted out in about five weeks. Seedlings should be planted into soil that has been enriched with compost. The soil should have begun to warm up before eggplants are planted. Plants may need staking as the heavy fruit may cause the plants to fall over. When harvesting, use scissors or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the stems.
Eggplants can be grown successfully in the same bed as beans, capsicum, lettuce and thyme. They are relatives of tomatoes and, as such, have the same soil requirements. Avoid planting them in gardens where tomatoes have recently been grown. Planting them near potatoes should be avoided.
Traditional eggplants are the deep purple varieties. However, they are also available with fruits in a range of colours including pink, white, green and lavender. Lebanese eggplants produce long, skinny fruits. They are very easy to grow and make good specimens for pots or containers.