If you want your hydrangea to grow as healthy as possible in time for summer, then experts recommend planting them with this one popular vegetable you probably have in the pantry
If your hydrangea plants are beginning to look dull or unhealthy, experts recommend that this one easy-to-come-by ingredient will have them perked up in no time.
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular plants to grow in the UK. This is because they are able to withstand cold winter periods, don’t require tonnes of sunlight and thrive in wet conditions. They’re also hardy plants, which means that they offer long-lasting, colourful blossoms that can even extend well into the autumn period. Plus, with more of us getting out into our gardens this spring, they can make a great starter plant to spruce up our gardens. In fact, according to eBay research, 39% of Brits want to spend more on their gardens in 2025.
There are many benefits to gardening. Not only does it improve the appearance and character of your home, it also helps to get you outdoors. Unfortunately, not all of us are naturally green-fingered. Despite our best efforts, a small mistake or change in environment can cause our plants to grow weaker than we would like.
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If you want to ensure your hydrangeas turn out as healthy as possible, then experts suggest using potatoes. By placing flower cuttings into a potato before you plant them, you can provide them with much-needed hydration. As reported by Devon Live , Elise Harlock, a floral expert at Prestige Flowers, said: “Potatoes are a surprisingly simple tool to use in your garden.
“It can be disheartening to see your plants and flowers dwindling after winter, propagation is the best way to bring your garden back to life. By inserting flower cuttings into a potato before planting in soil, it creates a stable environment and keeps the cutting hydrated.”
By doing this, you ensure that the cuttings remain moist while they sprout roots. This is critical during their initial growth phase and can make a massive difference to how the plant blooms. Elise also advised that dipping the stem in a rooting hormone before putting the cutting into the potato can help the root development. However, it’s not an essential step. She continued: “Once your stem is comfortable in the potato, simply plant the potato into well-draining soil, leaving only the cutting visible above the soil.”
She also suggested keeping the roots “moist but not water-logged.” If you’re unsure over whether they have finished growing, you can tug the plant. If you feel resistance, that means the roots have formed. Once the roots have grown in, you can transfer the plant to another pot or into the ground. However, Elise also warns that since your flower is still young and vulnerable, it should be monitored closely, especially if planting outdoors.
