The Easter Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a highly prized flowering shrub known for its spectacular globe-shaped inflorescences. Available as a potted plant, it brings an explosion of bright and cheerful colors, ranging from soft pink to sky blue and pure white. This plant is ideal for brightening indoor spaces in spring and is often given as an Easter gift. Its large dark green leaves and abundant blooms make it a charming addition to any space. Although primarily grown indoors as a temporary decorative plant, it can also be planted outdoors in regions with milder climates. In Quebec, it is generally treated as an annual or grown in pots to be brought indoors during winter.

Key Features

• Foliage: Large, oval, toothed leaves, medium to dark green.
• Habit: Compact and bushy shrub.
• Growth: Moderate.
• Care: Moderate, requires particular attention to watering and light.
• Flowering: Abundant in spring, with large globe-shaped inflorescences composed of many small flowers. Flower color can vary depending on soil pH (blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil). White varieties generally remain white.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright indirect light indoors. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn leaves and flowers. If placed outdoors after the risk of frost, prefer a partially shaded location, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
• Watering: Keep the potting soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during flowering. Use non-calcareous water preferably. Reduce watering after flowering.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix, rich in organic matter. To influence flower color (for pink and blue varieties), specific soil amendments for hydrangeas can be used.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate ambient humidity.
• Temperature: Normal room temperature indoors, ideally between 15°C and 21°C during flowering to prolong flower duration. Avoid extreme temperatures and cold drafts.
• Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants every two to four weeks during the flowering period. Stop fertilizing after flowering.