On 11/08/2012 21:22, Baz wrote:
After stripping the garden to an almost blank after the flooding I bought 3
hydrangea macrophylla hortensia.

The tag on them says:-
Plenty of light, no direct sunlight
Plant in the garden after flowering

I can't understand the light thing. Bit of a paradox! IMO
Also why would it matter if I planted in the garden whilst in flower?

I would like them to be in their place when OH gets home after her
holidays. She likes them and it's a surprise.

Also, I hear now that the colours change with soil Ph. My head hurts now.

Thanks
Baz


I think some of the problem is that they have been growing under cover
for use chiefly as house plants, the change to outside may be a bit of a
shock, though at this time of year not to much.
The point about shade is to prevent the flower spoiling with the bright
sunlight; that is spoiling from the "perfect" state they leave the
grower, and they do seem to do better if they have more North light
rather than full southern sunshine.
Nothing stopping you planting out in full flower, but (Dare I say it?)
don't forget to water them quite a lot, they are thirsty things.
Good luck
David @ the hot end of Swansea bay where we have had a few rumbles of
thunder in the last half hour.