Pollination Info for Nikko Blue Hydrangea

The Nikko Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue') is a beautiful flowering plant that produces large clusters of blue or pinkish-blue flowers in the summer. It is a popular garden shrub due to its stunning blooms and easy maintenance.

For the Nikko Blue Hydrangea to produce flowers, pollination is necessary. However, being a self-fertile plant, it can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate with other Hydrangea plants. The plant has both male and female reproductive structures present within the same flower.

When pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects visit the flowers, they transfer the pollen from the male (stamen) to the female (stigma) reproductive structures, allowing fertilization to occur. This results in the production of seeds, which can be used to propagate the plant. However, most gardeners prefer propagating this plant through rooting stem cuttings.

The pollination process can be enhanced by planting other Hydrangea cultivars nearby, as different cultivars have varying blooming times, which can extend the flowering period and increase the likelihood of cross-pollination. However, if the plant is grown in an area without pollinators, hand pollination may be required. This involves transferring pollen from one flower to another by using a small brush or cotton swab.

Overall, pollination is crucial for the Nikko Blue Hydrangea to produce its beautiful flowers. By attracting pollinators or practicing hand pollination, gardeners can ensure a healthy and fruitful plant.

Nikko Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue') FAQ

What is a Nikko Blue Hydrangea?

A Nikko Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue') is a deciduous flowering shrub that produces large clusters of blue flowers in the summer. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide and is native to Japan.

How do I care for my Nikko Blue Hydrangea?

Your Nikko Blue Hydrangea will thrive in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It prefers partial shade and consistent moisture. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and better flower production.

Why aren't my Nikko Blue Hydrangea flowers blue?

The color of your Nikko Blue Hydrangea flowers depends on the acidity of the soil. If the soil is more alkaline, the flowers will turn pink. To keep the flowers blue, you can add aluminum sulfate to the soil or use a fertilizer specifically designed for blue hydrangeas.

When should I prune my Nikko Blue Hydrangea?

Prune your Nikko Blue Hydrangea in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged wood and thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation. Avoid pruning after the plant has started producing new growth in the spring.

Can I propagate my Nikko Blue Hydrangea?

Yes, you can propagate your Nikko Blue Hydrangea through cuttings or layering. For cuttings, take a 6-inch long stem cutting in the late spring or early summer and plant it in a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil. For layering, bend a low-hanging branch to the ground and bury a portion of it in soil. Keep the soil moist and the branch will form new roots. Once established, you can separate the new plant from the parent plant.

How do I winterize my Nikko Blue Hydrangea?

In the fall, add a layer of mulch around the base of your Nikko Blue Hydrangea to protect the roots from freezing. If you live in a colder climate, you can also wrap the plant in burlap for added protection. Water the plant well before the ground freezes to ensure it has enough moisture to make it through the winter.

How often should I water my Nikko Blue Hydrangea?

Your Nikko Blue Hydrangea prefers consistent moisture, so water it deeply once a week or more frequently during periods of hot, dry weather. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal disease.

Planting and Care for Nikko Blue Hydrangea

Planting Instructions:

1. Choose a planting location that receives full or partial shade.
2. Ensure the soil is well-draining but retains moisture.
3. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and as deep as the container it came in.
4. Mix in compost or organic matter with the soil before planting.
5. Place the root ball in the hole and fill in the soil around it, tamping down firmly.
6. Water thoroughly after planting.

Care Instructions:

1. Water deeply and regularly, keeping the soil damp but not waterlogged.
2. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
3. Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
4. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
5. To promote blue flowers, ensure the soil pH is acidic, between 5.2-5.5.

Pests and Diseases:

• Hydrangeas can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
• Watch for pests such as spider mites, aphids, and scales.

By following these planting and care instructions, your Nikko Blue Hydrangea will produce abundant, beautiful blooms year after year.