hydrantea. Blossoms grow into the popular snow-ball shape in shades of pink, red, and blue. hydrantea

 
 Blossoms grow into the popular snow-ball shape in shades of pink, red, and bluehydrantea  Secure the main stem with a bamboo stake and use gardening tape or ties to keep it upright and straight

Like the original, it is early blooming, flowering about a month before other hydrangeas. Causes of yellowing hydrangea leaves are too much water, iron deficiency, and too high of your soil pH. Mulching can also help to keep the roots moist. The splashing drops will spread the disease. As that happens, water molecules in the ground freeze (contract) and then melt (expand), disrupting the root system (heaving). Another is to turn on your hose to a slow trickle. This can give you an idea of the space you need to allocate in your garden to. Blooming profusely from midsummer to fall, the charming blossoms are. 96 inches. topiary collection. Dig a hole about twice the size of the container. Flare Hydrangea bloom on new wood, so trim as needed in the fall after the flowers fade. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. Whereas soils that are above 6. " Water your hydrangeas thoroughly but less frequently to encourage deep roots that are more drought tolerant and that will produce hardier stems," she says. ’ 8. The Panicle Hydrangea is more tolerant of full sun than other hydrangea species. The occurrence of these toxins throughout the genus is poorly known, so other species of Hydrangea should be treated with caution and not consumed. Other common care questions 7. Proper hydrangea care will help your favorite summertime shrubs look their best. It is a dwarf variety and grows up to five feet tall to four feet wide. Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in the shade and won't bloom in full sun, while panicle hydrangeas love to soak up the full sun and won't bloom in the shade. No flopping, unlike some panicle hydrangeas! As blooms age, they turn pink. Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Plant in rich soil that is moist but well-draining. This hydrangea is tolerant of cold temperatures, and it's one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow, needing only partial shade and regular water to thrive. • Plant 1-2″ above ground soil level, backfill hole with soil. Most types grow in shrub form, however, one is a vine and another is pruned to assume a tree-like appearance. 2. To promote fresh, new, vigorous growth on established plants, cut back hard in early spring. Planting in Dry, Poorly-Drained Soil. This spot should also be large enough for the full size of the plant. Keep your eye on it and, as the flower dies, put a paper bag over it. If possible, plant them in an area that gets some afternoon shade in climates with hot summers. The first symptoms are orange pustules on the bottoms of the hydrangea leaves and yellow spots on top. In older manuals and sources, wild hydrangea. The main differences between the two are the size and the hardiness. ‘Berry White’ has pink and white flowers with strong stems (so they’re less likely to flop over from the weight of its many blooms). Noted for its distinct, boldly lobed leaves and very showy blooms, award-winner Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a deciduous shrub that provides a long season of interest. Blossoms grow into the popular snow-ball shape in shades of pink, red, and blue. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea aborescens): A popular example is Annabelle hydrangeas. hydrant: [noun] a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a water main (as for fighting fires) — called also#R##N# fireplug. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Quercifolia) Hydrangea quercifolia has leaves shaped like oak leaves. There are a number of easy techniques for growing a hydrangea from cuttings, including: Take 10cm soft-tip cuttings in October/November. See our Hydrangea Growing Guide for information on how to care for these flowering shrubs, including pruning and winter protection. camellia collection. These thirsty plants will quickly start to droop if they don’t receive enough water, so check them daily, particularly during hot or dry spells. Read on for more oakleaf hydrangea information and tips on how to care for. Spray pests with insecticidal soap spray. Hydrangeas growing in pots can be brought indoors for the winter, either inside your home or in a garage to prevent freezing temperatures from shocking them. Nikko blue hydrangeas grow to be around 6 feet tall, with a similar spread. serrata. Also known as peegee hydrangea. Hydrangea bushes are a long-time favorite of ornamental gardeners, as well as professional landscapers. Height: 3 feet. The blooms age to an array of pink, red, and burgundy which persists through frost for months. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and has room for the plant to grow. Remove any infected leaves, including those that have fallen off the plant. Hydrangea Care . They gained popularity in the Victorian era and have taken off ever since. botanical name Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’ PP #25,209. hardiness zones 4-9. Blooming profusely from late summer to fall, the charming blossoms contrast nicely with. The 6 to 8-inch flower heads are not as large or symmetrical as the cultivar ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea, but they contrast well against the dark, serrated foliage. Several cuttings can be rooted in one larger pot. Transplant to the location where you want the hydrangea to grow. It bears clusters of white flowers in summer that fade to shades of rose or green before turning beige in winter. Planting. If space is tight in your yard, you can still enjoy lush hydrangea blooms with a small variety such as Let’s Dance 'Rave' reblooming hydrangea (above), which grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. 6. Nurseries often graft them onto a standard and train them to grow as trees when they are very young. You can also apply a layer of mulch to aid water retention. 09 of 10. It's cold-hardier too, and its leaves turn burgundy in fall. (Image credit: Getty Images) Aucuba japonica ‘crotonifolia’, also known as Japanese or spotted laurel, can grow in partial or full shade. How to Plant Hydrangea Flowers. Its versatility is shown in Japan as well because it is found in seaside habitats. Fertilizing Hydrangeas. アジサイ節 Macrophyllae. macrophylla) – Bigleaf hydrangea is an attractive shrub with shiny, toothed leaves, a symmetrical, rounded shape and a mature height and width of 4 to 8 feet (1-2 m. Paniculatas dependably bloom on new growth every year in mid-summer, and the show is spectacular. patio tree collection. Grows with an upright, rounded habit to 3-4 ft. Bigleaf hydrangea is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) and is native to Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. 3½' tall and 5' wide. It may feel like you’re back in your. 96 inches. quercifolia), the state wildflower of Alabama; panicle hydrangea (H. Hydrangea seeds need to be surface sown. A wild hydrangea plant won’t perform well in full sun in a hot location. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’. A University of Tennessee Extension Service study estimates more than 10 million hydrangea plants are sold each year, accounting for more than 13 percent of U. Watch for pests such as spider mites, aphids, and scale. Since garden hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, they. Add plenty of finished compost and organic matter to the soil to enrich and lighten it. Many have attractive autumn colour and leaf shape. The exact size that a Hydrangea will reach depends on the type of Hydrangea it is. Soils that are more acidic, below 5. Hydrangeas turn blue in acid soil and pink in alkaline soil. Hydrangea paniculata 'Pink Diamond' is a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub boasting huge conical flower panicles, 8-12 in. Blue-flowered florists' plants may show pink. Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars are well known for their ability to change flower colour depending on the levels of available aluminium in the soil. The lacecap flowers become numerous once this plant is established. October 14, 2023. 10. It should be deep enough so that where the plant meets the soil is flush to the ground. Line your front steps with pots of bright blue hydrangeas for a cheery welcome. elenaleonova / Getty Images. Mature Size: Varies, 6-18 in. Introduced. Pink-white blooms of hydrangea 'Sundae Fraise'. Once the germinated seeds are big enough to handle, transplant them to their spot outside in the fall. Supersized puffs of hydrangea blooms and a dash of hocus-pocus with color-changing petals make this one of the most sought-after flowering shrubs for home landscaping. Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Mulch helps the soil and roots to retain moisture. Cityline Paris. There is only one generation of insects per year, but it is important to get them under control because they suck the sap out of the plant and weaken it. Light/Watering: Most varieties tolerate full sun in the North, but benefit from afternoon shade. Hydrangea macrophylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Japan. Its large bloom clusters open pure white, but then quickly age to deep pink, adding beauty to the shaded garden. This includes the most popular Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) and the Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata). The plant reaches 3 to 6 feet tall. A number of common ornamental shrubs are in the family including sweet mock orange ( Philadelphus coronarius) and panicle hydrangea ( H. Prune old branches back to the lowest pair of healthy buds near ground level for a neat framework. Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that thrive in sandy coastal soils, shady woodland sites, and almost everything in between. Hydrangea macrophylla, best known as the mophead hydrangea, is one of the easiest varieties for growing indoors. How to prune mophead and lacecap hydrangeas. Typically hydrangeas thrive when fed an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 N-P-K or 12-4-8 N-P-K. (60-120 cm). 14. This is a wonderful dwarf form of the popular Quick Fire™ hydrangea. Use an approved fungicide if necessary. Start with the basic housecleaning type of pruning, removing sucker shoots that grow in around the plant base, then trim off any shoots appearing on the lower part of the trunk. This one grows shorter and more compact and offers the same color-changing ability as French hydrangea. Clip away the other stems as near to the soil line as possible. Consider your Hydrangea Location. Hydracyanosides, a group of toxic cyanogenic glycosides, have been isolated from the leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla. Masses of fragrant white flowers held in flattened clusters, up to 8 in. long (15-30 cm). It prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, neutral to acidic soil with good drainage, and is air pollution tolerant and cold hardy. You may hang the cut bloom upside down or in a vase with just a few inches of water. To keep your Hydrangea blooms blue, simply monitor the pH and adjust it as needed. Rarity . Hydrangea paniculata 'PeeGee' is a vigorous shrub or small tree for full sun that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Plant Zone: 3-8. Back fill in the sides with soil. hydrangea. peony collection. Add plenty of organic matter (such as compost) around the plant. Features. (Image credit: Shutterstock) 1. If planted in the summer, make sure that it has enough water to avoid drying out. When you need a big, bold specimen plant, look no further than hydrangea. Take a stem cutting around 5cm long that has a plump bud, and treat as above. 8. Panicle hydrangea blooms on new wood; it accepts—and even prefers—fairly heavy pruning. hydrangea. Endless Summer 'Bella Anna' Hydrangea macrophylla. Whether you grow a big leaf hydrangea, panicle hydrangea, smooth hydrangea, or oakleaf variety, a well-tended hydrangea will give you lots and lots of gorgeous blooms throughout the summer. Second, pick up and throw away any diseased leaves that have fallen. quercifolia) or climbing hydrangea (H. Panicle hydrangeas can be pruned into a tree form which includes ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas. Bred in Georgia to handle the heat, compact Hydrangea paniculata Little Hottie® puts on an impressive and outsize flower show even as the mercury rises. The word “hydrangea” gives a hint why. Bobo ® H. Hydrangeas are an easy-to-care-for shrub that can successfully grow in zones 3 to 9. Water deeply. dan hinkley collection. ‘Little Lime’ Hydrangea paniculata. Here are the common. A hydrangea tree is a giant shrub that can be pruned into a tree. Popular named selections: 'Annabelle,' 'Bella Anna,' 'Grandiflora,' 'Incrediball,' 'White Dome'. grace n' grit™ roses. 8. As that happens, water molecules in the ground freeze (contract) and then melt (expand), disrupting the root system (heaving). Native and Introduced. 3. Adding bone meal is a great way to increase the phosphorus in the soil. Plant Size: 4-5 feet. Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' is a dwarf variety, growing only about 3 feet tall and wide. About 23 species are known. First, don't water your hydrangeas with sprinklers. With snow-white pom-pom inflorescence and exfoliating, textured bark, Hydrangea arborescens in particular is a festive garden staple. Scrape some of the bark off of the branch, exposing some growth points. Showing 1 - 20 of 22 items. Bobo ® - dwarf (3’ tall and wide), lacy white flowers turn pink, best color and blooming in cooler climates. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and has room for the plant to grow. Most shrub-form hydrangeas sold in North America fall into one of five types: bigleaf, mountain, smooth, panicle and oakleaf. Usually, this hydrangea starts blooming in mid-summer and lasts into the fall. Hydrangea serrata is native to the mountains of Korea and Japan, making it an excellent woodland plant or even a good option for a shaded rock. Pinky Winky ® H. Hydrangeas are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but adding organic mulch to help retain moisture and assist with draining will help. Water at the base of the plant slowly until the ground freezes. Premix the soil with organic material before you place your hydrangea shrub into the pot. First, you’ll need to find the perfect planting location. Native. Use an approved fungicide if necessary. Mulch helps alleviate those dramatic changes to protect the plants. Thoroughly water the shrub a few times a week, or whenever the top inch of soil begins to dry out. If you live in the south, give the plant some shade in the hot afternoon hours. The myth, the legend, the plant: 'Limelight' hydrangea. Popular with cut flower growers, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' is a dwarf mophead hydrangea with large, rounded flower heads, up to 6 in. Cuttings are the best way to propagate Limelight hydrangea, using a stem from the plant that's cut right above the leaf node, so you get stem and leaf in it, Hogan says. '. Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun. Fill several small pots or a larger pot with loose, sandy potting mix. Big-leaf hydrangeas, Hydrangea macrophyla: These are the most common species and include the popular mopheads and lacecaps in wide-ranging colors of blue, violet, pink, purple, red and white. The genus includes bushes native to North America, but the Far East is rich in its own representatives as well. There are a number of easy techniques for growing a hydrangea from cuttings, including: Take 10cm soft-tip cuttings in October/November. Mulch will also help keep weeds away. A quite different kind of plant is the Panicle Hydrangea. Incrediball® Hydrangea arborescens 'Abetwo' USPP 20,571, Can 4,166. Causes. The 3–5’ shrubs produce a blizzard of greenish blooms that turn creamy white before shading to dusky pink for fall, and they don’t degrade in high temperatures. This is more common in western climates, like in the mountains west of the United States. Hydrangeas need about one inch of water per week. Others form their flower buds on new wood. Species in this family range from small to large shrubs to woody vines. Also called Hydrangea petiolaris, these can grow 30 to 80 feet long. This will usually occur sometime in late summer. Using hot water sounds a little drastic but it certainly seems to help stop a cut hydrangea from wilting. Shop our collection of hydrangea shrubs at Spring Hill. Matthew Benson. 7. " 'Grandiflora' is easy to grown and reaches a mature size of 10 to 20 feet tall and wide. Last Revised by: Curated and maintained by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team. But planting hydrangeas in fall has the edge. Long used as a common name for the plant, the name 'hortensia' also indicates a specific selection of bigleaf hydrangea, which goes by the scientific name Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hortensia. Prune a new-wood hydrangea in spring, and it will grow new buds and then flower. Snowball hydrangea blooms on the current season’s growth, also called new wood. Beyond flowers, these amazing shrubs offer additional ornamental beauty from neat and inte. 5. Its flowers are produced on old wood from last year’s growth. To propagate softwood cuttings, follow these steps (as long as it's not a trademarked cultivar): Take a 5-inch stem cutting and remove the lower leaves. Learn how to grow these ever-popular flowering shrubs in containers for mobile garden color. ) by way of sticky aerial roots. (Image credit: Shutterstock) If you’re protecting hydrangeas which bloom on old wood and you live in a particularly chilly region (below 0 degrees Fahrenheit), then covering. CamelliasYes! Hydrangea macrophylla, or bigleaf hydrangea, and to a certain extent H. We recommend pine straw, oak leaves or wood mulch. Water them during a drought, especially if you notice wilting. Hardy in zones 3 to 9; takes part sun to sun. 8. Hydrangea barbara, another vining plant commonly known as climbing hydrangea, is native to the southeastern United States, but it is only cold hardy to planting zone 6. Long-lasting, the blossoms gradually turn rosy-pink as they. Once dried, the hydrangea can be sprayed with floral spray paint for deeper colors. Next, carefully strip off most of the leaves, leaving a pair at the tip of the cutting. Big, round clusters of small flowers cover mophead hydrangeas all summer in blue, violet-blue, white, pink or. How to Care for Hydrangeas. Hydrangea comes in three forms: vine, shrub and tree. Providing a long season of interest, Ruby Slippers is a lovely Oak Leaf Hydrangea to be used as a garden focal point or combined with other shrubs or perennials. Performs best in full sun or. Wild hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangeaceae, the Hydrangea family. Learn more about growing hydrangeas in pots. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) – Hardy to zone 4, climbing hydrangea is a woody vine with white flowers. Zones 5-9. The ideal time to plant this flower is early summer. Boost your cut hydrangeas' flower heads. ) are popular flowering shrubs in Maryland gardens that are easily recognizable by their big blue, pink or white flower heads. Third, spray the healthy foliage (before any diseases show up) with Daconil or Immunox according to the label directions. Continue to 5 of 14 below. Use a high quality potting soil for best results. Your cutting should be 2 inches below a pair of leaves, to leave space for the plant to take root. Held on sturdy, strong stems, the blossoms emerge creamy-white and age to a vivid raspberry pink as the season progresses. If it feels semi-dry to the touch, water thoroughly until you see the water run out of the bottom of the pot. Once you have cages and frames, you can re-use them every winter. Look for the “broccoli,” Lorraine says. Its early bloom time will. Hydrangea Fertilizer for Proper Hydrangea Care and Feeding. In early summer, this small, bushy deciduous shrub produces huge, rounded flower clusters, up to 12 in. Perhaps the best known of the hydrangeas is the mophead style of Hydrangea macrophylla. ’. Data Source. Hydrangeas grow best in climates with moderate humidity and temperatures—typically around 50°F to 60°F—under 80°F is best. With immense flower heads, hydrangeas flaunt an old-fashioned charm from summer to fall. tall (90-120 cm) and 5 ft. skye™ daylillies. Showy, the white, sterile flowers slowly turn purplish-pink as they mature. If it feels semi-dry to the touch, water. 5 pH, or “sweet. Use a small pot with sterile. When growing hydrangea as a houseplant, a period of dormancy during fall and winter is recommended. Several species are grown in greenhouses and gardens for their showy, usually ball-like flower clusters. Maintaining such a narrow pH range is easier to do with container culture than in the ground. Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea. serrata. shrub sales. Leave 1 to 2 inches between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot for watering. Phosphorus is the middle number, so a fertilizer labeled 10-20-10 will do. Back fill in the sides with soil. Hydrangeas are native to Asia and the Americas, with each species originating in a different region. Choose a location that gets sun in the morning but has some shade during the heat of the afternoon. Locate spent blooms and then follow them down to the first set of full-sized leaves beneath the flower head—make your cut right above the leaves. How to Get More Panicle Hydrangea Flowers: Plant panicle hydrangeas in all-day sun or afternoon sun. Daylilies. Some form their flower buds on. The “ lacecap ” version of this species. Blue Enchantress®. Take cuttings from non-blooming stems in early spring, then root it in a pot until a good network of roots has developed. 10. Hydrea may cause serious side effects. Mopheads will blanket an awkward slope. How to Care for Hydrangeas. Flare™ Hydrangea will grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Some hydrangea species bloom on “new. evolution™ coneflowers. Bill Stites/EYESWEET INC. The name hydrangea is derived from Greek and Latin and taken to mean water vessel, in reference to the "cup-like form of the seed-capsule. This is commonly seen in eastern coastal climes around Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. • Dig hole 2X the width of pot. 5-6. Leave about eight inches open at the top of the pot, then mix some high-phosphorus fertilizer into the soil. You can use either perennials or annuals as companions for hydrangea, depending on your preferences. Hydrangea macrophylla and hydrangea paniculata require more water than hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangeas) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf). Avoid these by spacing plants to allow for air circulation and avoid getting the leaves wet, especially late in the day. Flower color is determined indirectly by the soil pH, which affects the availability of aluminum in the soil. WATERING: It is important to keep the soil mix evenly moist. H. Hydrangea paniculata 'PeeGee' is a vigorous shrub or small tree for full sun that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Dreamin' is beautiful and versatile, looking great in both the garden or planted in a decorative container. Many new Hydrangea species, such as the Endless Summer and Everlasting series, rebloom throughout the summer and fall. Choose a planting location that receives at least three to six hours of sunlight each day. While this is a task that takes quite. 5, which is ideal for overall nutrient absorption. Add soil around the root system and tamp it down as you go. This rust only infects the smooth hydrangea, H. If exploring slow-release granular fertilizer, choose one. Sprinkle them on the seed-raising soil and moisten them with a spray bottle. This is best achieved by rain and supplemental irrigation. "Incorrectly adjusting the soil pH can. Perhaps the best known of the hydrangeas is the mophead style of Hydrangea macrophylla. Climbing Hydrangea – A vining variety of the plant, climbing hydrangeas can grow to be 50 to. A faster option is to do a repeated liquid soil drench in March, April, and May. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. hydrangea. Place in a sunny spot and wait for around 14 days for germination. Glenn. Hydrangea anomala petiolaris. Starting at $94. This plant is easy to change color and has beautiful sky-blue flowers with green centers. Planting hydrangeas in pots: Use a bagged potting mix rather than garden soil. Water them during a drought, especially if you notice wilting. Once all water has drained, add enough soil to fill up the hole and water again. If your chosen hydrangea is a variety with large leaves, you can also trim the remaining two. Showy, the creamy-white florets become pink-tinged as fall approaches. Light. It has strong branches and big flower heads. Lacecap hydrangeas are a smaller group (belonging to the same species), which have more flattened flower heads, where the. Little Lime ® – dwarf (3-5’ tall and wide) version of Limelight; blooms earlier and has better fall color. You should carry out this practice all through the blooming season to encourage new blossoms and keep your plant looking fresh. This hydrangea is also a reliable bloomer, even after severe winters. Cut in the morning and be sure to remove all leaves from the stem. Diseases of hydrangea are typically foliar, although root and flowers may also become infected. Its large lace-cap flowers make a showy summer display, ranging from pink to mauve-blue depending on the acidity of your soil. Firm the soil in around the rootball. Hydrangea with drooping or wilting leaves and flowers. Its leaves add fall interest when they transform to lush shades of mahogany and purple. Caring for this shrub is fairly easy. Check for any circling white roots and loosen them away from the root ball. Remove last year’s flowerheads using a pair of the best pruning shears. To increase the size and quantity of hydrangea blooms, consider a fertilizer with more phosphorus. Growing Zones 3 - 8. They enjoy more sun than the Mop-head Hydrangeas, so they are a good choice for a sunnier location. This hydrangea is more tolerant of full sun than other hydrangea species but prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Ralph Lee Anderson. long (12 cm), in late summer to fall. Flowers tend to be purple in the soil pH range of 5. Experienced growers have found that ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangeas are best pruned as soon as the plants have finished flowering. It will help you keep the plant thriving long term. Initially the flowers are white but as the season progresses,. It offers a long season of interest with dense, conical flower heads filled with large, white ray florets that turn pink in fall. Dark green foliage complements the massive round flowers held on sturdy stems above the leaves. Flower Color: Pink, red, yellow, orange, white. Zones 5-9. With its compact habit, this hardy hydrangea adds striking flowers to mixed borders or hedges and is perfect for patio. Leave around 2 inches of stem below the node. STEP 1: Identify which type of hydrangea you have. Hydrangea leaves are possibly turning brown and possibly foliage growth with few flowers. The hydrangea color chart below shows the estimated flower color as it varies by soil pH level. "Also, removing broken and damaged stems. About 23 species are known. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the pot your hydrangea came in. Cityline Paris. Its foliage is spectacular even without the massive, upright, 12-inch blossoms. Its leaves add fall interest when they transform to lush shades of mahogany and purple. Typically hydrangeas thrive when fed an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 N-P-K or 12-4-8 N-P-K. Then place the hydrangea in. Hydrangea arborescens. Soil with a pH under about 5. Then place at the base of the plant for an hour or so.