You know what the best way to add the wow effect to your garden is? Growing a hydrangea plant! These gorgeous species produce massive flower heads that steal the show wherever they’re placed.
But there’s one small hitch with hydrangeas – they take up a lot of space. So, do you need to give up on them if you have a small garden?
Absolutely not! There’s one variety you can still grow! Meet the Summer Crush hydrangea, a lovely specimen that reaches only 3 feet in both height and width.
Its compact shape and captivating hot pink blooms will transform your garden into a picturesque paradise.
Even if you don’t have an outdoor garden and the only option is a balcony, don’t worry because the Summer crush hydrangea thrives and blooms abundantly when grown in containers.
Many people have asked me if it produces smaller blooms since it’s a smaller variety. There’s a saying: don’t let the size fool you, and it definitely refers to these hydrangeas. The blossoms are large and their beauty is incomparable.
Now the only question that remains to be answered is: how to make your Summer Crush hydrangea flourish? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer!
Here Are All The Tips You Need To Grow Summer Crush Hydrangea
The first thing I need to discuss is the perfect planting time for these hydrangeas. The main goal for your Summer Crush hydrangea is getting it to bloom in summer.
This means you’ll need to plant it early in fall or early spring.
Now let’s prepare the ideal soil! Just like all other types of hydrangeas, Summer Crush enjoys moist soil with plenty of organic matter. Of course, the soil must be free-draining to avoid root rot and other issues that could threaten the overall health of the plant.
I use organic potting mixes combined with mulch, and my Summer Crush seems to enjoy it.
If you’re growing this hydrangea in a pot, I recommend 18-inch containers with drainage holes in the bottom.
Fill one-third of the container with potting mix, put your Summer Crush hydrangea, add more soil, and pack everything well.
Don’t forget to irrigate after planting because it will give the plant a good head start. Since hydrangeas are blooming plants, they’ll benefit from phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
However, be careful not to overfeed your Summer Crush because it can have an adverse effect and slow down the growth.
Unfortunately for some, this hydrangea doesn’t like heat and direct sun. Here in Florida, temperatures are too high, so I picked a pretty sheltered spot in my backyard.
A weekly watering works perfect for my Summer Crush but you can do it more often if the soil is dry two inches below the surface.
One more thing, make sure to deadhead the blossoms to encourage new growth!
Why Does The Summer Crush Deserve A Spot In Your Garden?
If the size, shape, and beauty of the Summer Crush hydrangea didn’t convince you to grow it, I’ll give you a few more reasons.
First, this is a low-maintenance plant, so my fellow beginner gardeners don’t have to worry much and invest all their time and energy into keeping it happy and healthy.
When I say easy to maintain, I mostly mean pruning. Unpopular opinion: hydrangeas are fussy over pruning. Sorry, friends, but someone had to say it out loud!
Well, that’s where the Summer Crush variety steps in! It doesn’t require any pruning, except for a little deadheading.
Another benefit of growing this hydrangea is that it’s a true magnet for pollinators. Bees and butterflies simply can’t resist it, and we can’t really blame them, right?
Ok, let’s move on! Summer Crush isn’t susceptible to pests and diseases. Aphids can sneak up every now and then, but there’s nothing good old neem oil can’t fix!
Finally, the Summer Crush is a beautiful little plant that will add a special touch to your outdoor space. Well, I know I’ve already said it like 10 times, but repetition is the mother of learning.
You can use it as a focal point or add it next to your other green friends, such as daylilies, begonias, and azaleas.
Are you ready to turn your summer garden into a vibrant and colorful oasis? The Summer Crush will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood!