Hydrangea Success Series: Container Growing H. macrophylla Species, with Mal Condon

Of all the hydrangea species, H. macrophylla is best suited to growing in a container, especially a decorative one in which color and style blend with charming blossoms and decorative companion plants. This container friendliness is a very good thing, for our beloved ‘macs’ are the least cold-hardy of the hydrangea species group; they totally appreciate isolation from direct contact with any winter severity. Mal Condon, the Hydrangea Guy, has developed superior ways to enhance both plant growth and winter protection attributes through his “Pot-N-Pot” and “Bag-N-Pot” growing technique. This method gives the gardener total control over plant growing conditions – particularly during the ‘freezing’ months. It truly provides the only way you can obtain reliable and repeatable summer blooming – even on Cape Cod! The blooming beauty of the H. macrophyllas is especially appreciated when plants are located close at hand - like on your deck, patio, or porch. Singly or in groups, you can move them around to achieve varied floral displays and can adjust for changing sun and/or shade conditions as the growing season progresses. They can also become ‘garden art’ within your traditional planting areas. Given reasonable care, this species can remain in the same pot for several years. And many cultivars like being “root constrained” - often flowering better than when planted in ground. Best of all, this container growing arrangement provides an effective mobility factor; the container network makes it comparatively easy to move and protect these cold-sensitive plants. Mal is especially fond of his methods and will share full details on all components and techniques. He will demonstrate composition ideas to ‘completely’ plant your container in enviable fashion – including favorite ‘Fillers’ and ‘Spillers’ to compliment the central Hydrangea ‘Thriller’ in your containers.