How to Grow Hydrangea Candlelight - Plant Care & Tips (2024)

Hydrangea candlelight is a popular houseplant because it is easy to take care of and it is very pretty. The leaves of the plant are dark green and the flowers are white. The plant does not need a lot of light and can even tolerate low light.

How to Grow Hydrangea Candlelight - Plant Care & Tips (1)

Also known as

  • Candle bush
  • Currant bush
  • Fever bush
  • Tree daisy
  • Woodruff

Good to Know

  • Hydrangeas are a type of flowering plant that typically features large, showy blossoms.
  • The name “hydrangea” is derived from the Greek words “hydros,” meaning water, and “angos,” meaning vessel.
  • Hydrangeas are native to Asia and North America, and have been cultivated in Europe since the 18th century.
  • There are over 23 species of hydrangea, although the most commonly grown species in home gardens is the hortensia hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla).
  • Hydrangeas are prized for their large, round flower heads, which can range in color from white to pink to blue, depending on the variety.
  • Hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow and care for, and make an excellent addition to any garden.
  • Hydrangeas typically bloom from late spring to early summer, although some varieties may bloom earlier or later in the season.
  • Once in bloom, hydrangeas will continue to produce flowers until the first frost of the season.
  • Hydrangeas make excellent cut flowers, and can be used in a variety of floral arrangements.
  • Hydrangea candles are a popular way to enjoy the beauty of these flowers indoors. Hydrangea candles are typically made with real dried hydrangea blossoms, and can be found at most floral or home décor shops.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For hydrangea candlelight, first step is to take a cutting of about 4-6 inches from the tips of the plant.
  2. Cut the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
  3. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
  4. Place the cutting in a container filled with moistened perlite or sand.
  5. Cover the container with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
  6. Place the container in a location that receives indirect sunlight.
  7. Keep the perlite or sand moistened.
  8. After several weeks, roots will begin to form.
  9. Once the roots are established, transplant the cutting into a pot filled with potting soil.
  10. Water regularly and fertilize monthly.

Related plant:
White Hydrangea Varieties

The Soil

About soil condition, the hydrangea prefers well-drained, fertile soils, but it is quite adaptable and will do well in a range of soils from heavy clay to light, sandy soils as long as they are not allowed to dry out. A little bit of organic matter will help to keep the soil moist and improve its drainage.

About light

Like the other hydrangeas, the Hydrangea Candlelight requires sun to thrive. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch, so it's important to provide some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. Morning sun is best to help the flowers open and set properly.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for a hydrangea candlelight. The hydrangea need a little bit of sun to remain fresh, so the best place to keep them is in a cool room or cellar. If the temperature outside is too warm, the hydrangea may wilt.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% - 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to wilt and the flowers will droop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and the flowers will fade.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant does best with a general purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10. It doesn't need a lot, just a light feeding in the spring when the new growth starts. Be sure to apply it according to the package directions. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant.

About light

Pruning is an important part of plant care, and it's especially important for hydrangeas. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages the plant to produce new flowers. You can also prune back overgrown plants to rejuvenate them. When pruning hydrangeas, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears and cut at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings, which is a pretty simple process. Begin by filling a planting pot with a well-draining potting mix. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from a healthy plant and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and then plant it in the potting mix. Water the cutting well and place it in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in 4-8 weeks, you should see new growth.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's root system. A plant's roots are responsible for providing the plant with the water and nutrients it needs to grow. When a plant is growing in an area with poor drainage, the roots may not be able to absorb enough water and nutrients to support the plant's growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are mainly related to water. If the plant doesn't receive enough water, the leaves will droop and the flowers will wilt. If the plant receives too much water, the leaves will yellow and the stems will rot.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Hydrangeas need a lot of water to stay healthy and produce beautiful blooms.
  • Place your plant in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Fertilize your plant regularly using a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming overgrown.
  • Protect your plant from pests and diseases.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage your plant to produce more flowers.
  • Provide support for your plant if it starts to get top-heavy.
  • Cut back the plant in late fall or early winter to encourage new growth in the spring.
  • Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your hydrangea candlelight plant!

Related Plants

  • Hydrangea hortensis
  • Hydrangea arborescens
  • Hydrangea macrophylla
  • Hydrangea paniculata
  • Hydrangea quercifolia
  • Hydrangea aspera
  • Hydrangea integrifolia
  • Hydrangea serrata
  • Hydrangea scandens
  • Hydrangea anomala

Source:
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
How to help hydrangeas weather a heat wave - OSU Extension Service
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension

How to Grow Hydrangea Candlelight - Plant Care & Tips (2)

Reviewed & Published by Richelle

Submitted by our contributor

Shrubs Category

How to Grow Hydrangea Candlelight - Plant Care & Tips (2024)

FAQs

How to Grow Hydrangea Candlelight - Plant Care & Tips? ›

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot and dry periods. Adequate watering is crucial to prevent drought stress. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced hydrangea fertilizer in early spring, following the instructions provided on the package.

How do you take care of a candlelight hydrangea? ›

To care for your Hydrangea Paniculata Candlelight, make sure to water it well during dry periods in the summer to encourage maximum flower size and impact. While in flower, it will require moderate watering to maintain its lush foliage and blooms.

How do you care for magical candle hydrangeas? ›

These hydrangeas are not as fussy about soil pH as some of their mophead cousins, but do appreciate a fertile, moist position in a place where they are shaded from the sun for part of the day.

How do you prune a candlelight hydrangea? ›

You don't have to prune Hydrangea Candlelight but you can restrict its size and maintain a pretty shape by pruning back old stems in spring and removing any damaged wood. After pruning add a thick layer of mulch to the roots to boost nutrients for a healthy season of growth.

Is Miracle Grow good for hydrangeas? ›

Avoid feeding hydrangeas after August, especially in regions with cold winters. A slow-release plant food works well. For best results, try Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food, which feeds for up to 3 months.

What do coffee grounds do for hydrangeas? ›

Some gardeners report success in turning their hydrangeas blue by applying coffee grounds to the soil. The coffee grounds make the soil more acidic, allowing the hydrangea to more easily absorb aluminum. In addition, fruit peels, lawn clippings, peat moss and pine needles, are thought to have a similar effect.

Do coffee grounds make hydrangeas bloom? ›

If you've been trying to get your hydrangeas to become big and blue, then we might just have the tip for you. Hydrangeas color is based on how acidic your soil is—the more acidic the soil you plant your hydrangeas in, the more blue. We've found that adding a few coffee grounds to your soil can do just the trick.

Why are my fire light hydrangeas not blooming? ›

If a hydrangea does not bloom, it could be that it is not suitable for your hardiness zone. While the root system might survive winter, if the variety produced buds on last years stems, the buds are killed by extreme cold, and thus, no blooms the following year.

How tall does magical candle hydrangea grow? ›

Mature plants will reach up to 5' tall with an equal spread. This plant is protected by patent number PP22111.

What month do you cut hydrangeas back? ›

Hydrangea macrophylla, big leaf hydrangea

These plants produce buds in late summer to early fall (August-September) that will form next year's flowers. So prune these shrubs after they finish blooming before August (again, make a heading cut).

What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas? ›

If you don't prune hydrangeas then they can eventually resemble a tangled mass of woody stems, and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. Regular pruning of hydrangeas helps to maintain their shape and also encourages new growth and a better display of blooms.

Does Epsom salt help hydrangeas grow? ›

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is popular among hydrangea growers for its supposed benefits, from boosting flowering to deterring pests.

What do I put in my soil before planting hydrangeas? ›

If you are planting them in a pot, start with a good, rich soil and compost. The thing about hydrangeas that I've found is that they need A LOT of water, so you want your soil to be able to hold that water. BUT, you also want to make sure you have good drainage so the roots don't sit in water and get root rot.

Where should you not plant hydrangeas? ›

Noyes from Gardening Chores says you should never try to plant hydrangeas in zones 1 and 2 due to extremely cold temperatures. "Similarly, it is hard to grow hydrangeas in very hot areas of the country; their heat tolerance ranges from zones 8 and 11 (but it is usually 9), according to the variety.

Do you need to deadhead hydrangeas? ›

Yes. Hydrangeas should have the spent blossoms removed, a process called deadheading, because otherwise, the plant will put energy into seed production instead of blossoms. Ideally, the goal is to keep the plant producing lots of large, showy flowers, rather than seeds.

Do coffee grounds help hydrangeas bloom? ›

I always dump my used coffee grounds on the soil below my hydrangeas...and when done regularly several months prior to blooming, the shrub is bursting with the deepest blue hydrangeas I've ever seen! The trick is to be consistent and do this as much as possible from fall through spring BEFORE they bloom.

Do potted hydrangeas last? ›

While hydrangeas can grow successfully in a large container for several years, it's not permanent. If your plant becomes challenging to keep adequately watered, appears stunted, has small leaves, or the flowers are small or diminished, it's time to move on.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 5416

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.