What’s the best method to water Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
Soaker hoses can be the best method to keep the moisture from the leaves and flowers. These methods are great when you want more efficient water delivery at the very base of the plant without needing to get the entire foliage wet. Lay the hose around the plant, leave it on for about 30 to 45 minutes and wait until the soil is moist but not too wet. Hook your regular hose to this, and cover with mulch. Others may use drip feeders to retain moisture throughout the day. When planted in pots, you need to water the Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' using a watering can. Wait until you see that the water is dripping down the pots at the bottom part. The portable cans can help you reach the soil and let the water penetrate the roots deeply so they can grow better.
What should I do if I water Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' too much/too little?
If you overwatered Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', you might want to take a few steps back and prevent further damage. Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is hardy, so they have a higher chance of surviving. Give the plant a chance to dry everything out and stop watering it. The plants don’t tolerate their roots sitting in water for longer, so aerating can help. Some of the symptoms of an overwatered plant will be premature falling of yellow leaves. You might also see fewer flowers and misshapen buds. In more serious cases, this can result in wilted and brown leaves. Long-term overwatering can result in root rot. The symptoms of underwatering can be similar. Wilting Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' can be a sign of underwatering. Feel the earth by sticking your finger into the soil, and if it’s too dry, then this is a sign of dehydration. Too little watering can also happen, so you might want to add some in the evening. Always check the soil for dryness and follow the regular schedule of watering in the morning.
How often should I water Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
It’s best to water the Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' deeply two to three times a week. And you should water it more often if you live in a hot climate. Its water needs are average, and it needs moist but well-drained soil. A good rule of thumb is to get a feel of the soil. It might be the right time to water your plant if you notice that it’s about 2-4 inches dry. Water it 1-2x a week if it’s planted outdoors. Know that it’s getting more moisture outside, watering less with the help of rainwater is ideal.
How much water does my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' need?
The amount of water needed can vary. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as the weather in the area, the amount of shade, and the species. The Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' you’ve just recently planted will need more water than the established ones. A can of water each week can be ample for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', especially if they are in the growing season and when they are grown in pots. When outdoors, you need to measure the amount of rain they are receiving with the help of moisture meters. When the soil is dry, water them thoroughly with a sprinkler. It’s best to water less often but thoroughly with the Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' to ensure they are getting the adequate moisture they need.
Why is watering my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' important?
Regardless of the types of the plant that you’re growing, it’s important to know its watering needs so that they will grow well. Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' needs a lot of water and can quickly wilt without the right moisture. They require moist soil but make sure that the ground is well-drained. Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' doesn’t want wet feet since they tend to get root rot. Overwatering can also lead to slow production of flowers and stunted growth, which can also be a problem seen with underwatering.
How can I ensure that i'm watering my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' adequately?
It's best to water the Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' in the early morning to prevent it from wilting. It may be unable to handle the heat and can show signs of wilting in the afternoon. Make sure to apply a thick layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture. Once it feels the coolness of the evening, it will go back to its usual glow. Always water deeply and be consistent with the moisture. However, remember that it’s better to experience a slight wilting in the afternoon than to over-water them.
Should I adjust the frequency of watering my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' according to different seasons or climate?
When watering during the summer, it’s important to take the environment into consideration. These plants enjoy the early morning sun but not much of the midday glare since they can dry out too quickly. It’s best to start planting these species in spring or autumn. Provide ample water, especially when you notice that the soil is dry during the summer. Don’t water the plants during the winter as they will enter a period of dormancy. Fill the pot up to the rim, let the water soak, and run out of the drainage hole. Always water when the soil feels dry and if you have windy and hot weather. The plant supports a lot of big blooms, and they need ample water to maintain them.
Should I change the watering frequency during different growing stages of my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
During the growing season, it’s best to water this at a rate of 1 inch when it’s just growing. This should be done 3x per week. When growing in pots, you need to have one with a diameter of at least 18 inches. A non-porous one can help hold consistent levels of moisture. An established plant does not need watering as much as one in the early phase of growth. They can be watered twice a week but always check the soil to be sure. Just make sure that there will be no waterlogging that occurs. The plants might experience transplant shock when they are just newly planted. Just water until the depth of the moisture reaches out to 10 inches beneath the surface. Help the roots become more established during the dry, hot weather by checking the soil frequently.
What should I be careful with when I water my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?
Overall, the Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' loves water and should be provided with enough to keep it hydrated. Be careful not to overwater and never use cold water with them during the winter. They enter a dormancy period and they barely need water to survive. In the spring, planting should be done where they will be given enough time to grow. Water more when they are young and make sure to give them enough mulch to keep the soil moist. During the summer, just make sure that the soil is moist. Overwatering can result in a lack of blooms, but a heavy soaking can be done once a day whenever the soil needs this. For 3x a week, ensure water in the early mornings or afternoons. The ones on the balcony or gardens should be watered generously during the summer months. This is because the water can evaporate quickly.
Should I water Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' differently when I plant it indoors but not outdoors?
The Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' that is grown outdoors doesn’t generally need a lot of water compared to the one grown indoors. This species absorbs the water quickly, so watering can be done twice a week. When you grow Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' in partial shades, you generally encourage moisture retention and prevent the drying winds from wilting them. It’s best to keep the water away from the flowers as this can lead to gray mold. The Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'ed indoors can be watered at least 2x a week or more when they are just in the growing phase to help the roots become more established.
How much/long should Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' get sunlight per day for healthy growth?
For healthy growth, make sure that Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.
What type of sunlight does Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' need?
Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.
Can sunlight damage Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'? How to protect Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' from the sun and heat damage?
Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' during extreme weather events.
Does Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' from the sun?
While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle. If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day. To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.
What will happen if Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' gets inadequate sunlight?
When Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.
Does Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.
Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
Recently transplanted Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily. Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.
What is the optimal temperature for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
The best temperature for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' to thrive is 65~80℉(18~27℃). During the primary growing phase, the highest temperature tolerable would be 95℉(35℃), while the lowest tolerable temperature would be 15℉(-10℃). This species is tolerant of low temperatures and will survive freezing winters. The perfect, highest, and lowest temperature range: Perfect:65~80℉(18~27℃) Highest:85~95℉(30~35℃) Lowest:-5~15℉(-20~-10℃) or below
Should I adjust the temperature for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' during different growing phases?
Research shows that Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' will begin to exhibit signs of stunted growth during prolonged periods of higher temperatures, especially during the development of axillary buds and the growth of main shoots. Keeping the temperatures consistent and cooler, around 65℉(18℃), will encourage vigorous growth after germination or transplanting.
How can I keep Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' warm in cold seasons?
Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' can withstand freezing temperatures when planted in the ground in areas that don’t get below of 15℉(-10℃) as an extreme temperature during the winter months. But if planted in pots or containers, then their roots must be protected from the winter cold. Do this by wrapping the container in a blanket or bringing it inside where it will be fully protected from the elements.
What damage will Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' suffer if the temperature is too high/low?
Greater harm will come to Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' if the temperature is consistently too high versus too low. If Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' gets too hot, seed germination and photosynthesis efficiency is lessened due to hormone triggers caused by heat stress. The plant will show signs through wilting, leaf browning, and potentially death. If Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' gets too cold, plant functions such as nutrient uptake and photosynthesis will cease, resulting in the possible death of the plant. If a single freezing event occurs during the growing season, then a membrane phase transition might occur, which can cause a cease in plant functions and death of the plant.
What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
Keeping the soil temperature consistent is one of the most important strategies to keeping Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' healthy, which leads to successful budding, flowering, and new growth. Do this by consistently watering, adding mulch to bare soil, and planting in the shade.
How can I keep Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' warm without a heat pad?
Due to the cold tolerance of Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', heating pads will not be necessary if planted outside in the ground. If the plant is in an outdoor pot, then bring it inside a heated house and place it in a sunny window during the winter months.
How can I provide Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' with an adequate temperature condition?
To ensure adequate temperature conditions are present, plant Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' in an area with partial shade. If possible, use afternoon shade to provide the best protection during the hottest part of the day. This will also result in lower temperatures in the soil due to increased moisture retention. If Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is planted indoors, then keep the container away from windows and out of direct sunlight during the summer months to prevent the soil temperature from spiking daily.
How can I save Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' from temperature damage?
During the summer or times of high heat, give Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' extra shade and water to help cool its leaves, roots, and soil. During cold snaps or growing season freezes, cover sensitive budding vegetation with frost cloth or water using sprinkler systems. If it’s only nearing freezing temperatures for a short period, then water during the day several hours before the freeze. If the temperature is predicted to remain below freezing for an extended period, then keep the sprinkler running until the temperature rises above freezing the following day.
Should I adjust the temperature for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' in different seasons?
Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is a mid-temperature plant that can easily tolerate the typical fluctuations of the seasons and remain a hardy species when planted in maintained landscapes areas, containers, or indoors. Therefore, adjusting the temperature during the different seasons is unnecessary for primary growth. If flowering is stunted or impeded, then allowing the plant to experience a season of winter freeze could help to revive flowering.
Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
If it becomes too difficult to lower the temperature for an indoor plant during the summer, then plant it outside in the ground or in a container. Make sure to plant Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' in a shaded location and water often to keep the soil moist.
Why do I need to fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
Regardless of which kind of Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' you own, regular fertilization will help you grow a plant that has great overall health. The proper supply of nutrients leads to more vigorous growth and can help your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' be more resilient to tough growing conditions while also gaining a better ability to fight off diseases and pests. The foliage of your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is one of its most attractive features, which is why you should do all you can to keep it intact. Again, this means creating and adhering to a regular fertilization schedule that is specific to your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'. Doing so will prompt your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' to develop leaves with a deep color and a lush overall look.
When is the best time to fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
The first time that you should fertilize your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is during the late winter or early spring. This type of fertilization gives your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' all the nutrients it needs to resume healthy growth once the weather gets warm enough. It is also beneficial to many Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' to provide an additional fertilizer feeding during early fall if you in a warm climate region. Fertilizing in early fall not only adds additional nutrients to the soil, which your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' will use in the following growing season, but it also helps your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' be a bit more hardy and capable of surviving the winter cold without experiencing foliage damage. Earlier fertilisation will ensure that the new branches have enough time to grow to withstand the cold winter.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
There are a few times during the year when you should not fertilize your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'. The first time occurs during the early and mid-winter months, during which time your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' will be dormant and in no need of feeding. It is also unwise to fertilize this plant during the late spring and all of the summer. During that time of year, the weather will likely be hotter and can be much dryer as well. Both conditions make it more likely that your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' will have a very negative response to fertilization. To avoid such issues, stick to a fertilization schedule that involves feeding exclusively during early spring and early fall.
What type of fertilizer does my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' need?
In most cases, the most important nutrient for a Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is nitrogen, but that does not mean that phosphorus and potassium are unimportant. On the contrary, your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' likely needs a decent amount of all three main nutrients, which is why a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, can work well. However, a more nuanced ratio of nutrients often leads to optimal growth for a Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'. Often, fertilizers that are a bit higher in nitrogen work a bit better. For example, a ratio of 10-6-4 can often work well. When fertilizing, you can use a granular fertilizer or a liquid-based one.
How do I fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'?
To fertilize your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' using a granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil at the correct time. The slow-release nature of granular fertilizer will release nutrients into the soil slowly over time. As is usually the case, it's best to water your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', at least lightly, before applying fertilizer. As an alternative, you can use a liquid fertilizer, but this is less common. To use this approach, mix your fertilizer with water, then pour the water onto the soil around the base of your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'. At times, it is beneficial to perform a soil test before fertilizing to see if you will need to alter the pH at all.
What happens if I fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' too much?
Overfertilization is always a risk when you are feeding a Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'. Overfertilization is especially likely if you feed this plant at the wrong time of year, feed it too often, or feed it without watering the soil first. When overfertilization takes place, your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' may begin to develop brown leaves. Your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' can also show stunted growth in some cases. On the other hand, it is also possible that too much fertilizer can prompt your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' to rapidly produce too much new growth, much of which will be weak and prone to breaking. Weak new wood can also detract from the overall form and structure of your Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'.