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Summer Crush Hydrangea Care Instructions

by Lawson Thalmann

For over 100 years, Chalet has been the trusted go-to destination for Chicagoland gardeners. Our horticultural experts have crafted care instructions with the unique characteristics of our local soil and weather in mind, so that you can feel confident helping your plants flourish.

Planting

Location:

Select a spot that offers partial to full sun for optimal growth; ideally, it should have well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.

Spacing:

Space this variety approximately 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Watering

Water regularly during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this variety thrives in well-draining, organic-rich soil.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your Hydrangea with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the growing season. Acidification will change the flower coloration.

Pruning

Prune it in early spring before new growth begins to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant for optimal blooming. This Hydrangea blooms both off of old wood and new wood.

Mulching

Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of this variety in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds while ensuring it does not touch the stems.

Hydrangea, Summer Crush

$49.99

An absolute breakthrough for this much-desired species, this spectacular summer-bloomer is very hardy, and produces large, intensely colored raspberry red or neon purple globe-shaped flowers; a compact growing selection with dark green glossy leaves Summer Crush ® Hydrangea features bold balls of ruby-red flowers with red overtones at the ends of the branches from early summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has forest green foliage throughout the season. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates.

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Lawson Thalmann

Lawson Thalmann

Vice President, Part-Owner, Sustainability Chair, CTO

Lawson represents the 4th generation of Thalmanns at Chalet. He currently heads up technology and sustainability efforts while also engaging the community through events like meditation and content like blog posts. He is passionate about helping the North Shore community engage with nature as a means for both physical and mental well being. He lives in Wilmette with his wife Kit and two children, Quinn and Lane.

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