Hydrangeas are now in peak blooming period in July, but their flowers can become scorched in the sun and even turn brown if they are not protected from the heat – this one item can help
Hydrangeas ought to be at their most spectacular during summer as this marks their prime flowering season, yet their blooms can start to droop or even develop brown patches without proper heat protection.
These plants are particularly vulnerable to direct sunlight, especially during the scorching afternoon hours, with their delicate petals prone to becoming burnt. Such conditions place considerable strain on the plant, causing blooms to fade prematurely and potentially damaging next year’s developing buds.
Worse still, the situation becomes even more challenging with the abundance of ravenous insects roaming gardens during this season, particularly slugs that feast on hydrangea flowers, adding further pressure to these already stressed plants.
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Fortunately, gardening specialists at Bloom Song have revealed an incredibly straightforward method to maintain hydrangea health whilst repelling slugs – using nothing more than used coffee grounds, reports the Express.
They explained: “Hydrangeas thrive when given the right nutrients, and one natural and readily available option is coffee grounds.” The experts added: “Not only do coffee grounds enrich the soil, but they also deter slugs, which are common pests that damage hydrangea leaves and flowers.”
Whilst it might sound peculiar, these coffee dregs can boost the soil’s organic content and retain significant moisture levels, helping hydrangea roots remain adequately watered even during sweltering conditions. Hydrangeas are big fans of coffee grounds, which not only favour the development of mildly acidic soil but also deter slugs due to their pungent aroma.
Garden enthusiasts often use coffee grounds on their hydrangeas because the acidity can transform the flowers’ hues to a stunning blue, enhancing the vibrancy of their blooms.
The nitrogen content in coffee grounds, along with traces of other nutrients, is said to bolster plant growth and provide an extra lift to hydrangeas, especially when they’re wilting under the summer sun.
An expert has highlighted the benefits of coffee grounds for plants, stating: “Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which contribute to overall plant health and vigorous blooms.”
How to utilise coffee grounds effectively
After letting them sit for a day, use the coffee ground solution to water your hydrangeas every fortnight to monthly throughout the summer. While coffee grounds act as a natural pest repellent and promote the well-being of hydrangeas, it’s important to use spent grounds since fresh coffee can be too strong.
It’s crucial to remember that hydrangeas prefer just a touch of acidity; excessive amounts can damage the roots and adversely affect the plant. Fortunately, most of the acid is removed during brewing, making used grounds safe for hydrangeas, but caution is still advised.
To ensure the best results, water hydrangeas thoroughly when applying coffee grounds and limit feeding to every couple of weeks to reap the full advantages.
Coffee grounds serve as a straightforward soil enhancer, providing these stunning blooms with a lift, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy regardless of the heat.