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There are a large number of different hydrangeas, and it is important to know which variety you have so you know whether or not to prune. Climbing varieties such as Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, require no pruning, and less hardy varieties of H. macrophylia {including lacecaps } flower on last years growth, so only prune after blooming. Oakleaf hydrangea is treated the same way; H quericifolia is not reliably hardy but will do well in favorable microclimates. Their lovely white flowers bloom on upright terminal panicles several inches long. Other varieties can be pruned drastically in spring as needed. The new variety "Endless Summer" will flower on old growth and new growth so will flower over a much longer period. Pee Gee hydrangeas can grow up to 25 feet tall and are very hardy, while the more common varieties normally only get to 6 feet tall.
Mopheads have larger flowers, than lacecaps and have loose, round heads in blue, violet-purple, pink, rose or white.
The name hydrangea means water tub in Greek, hydro meaning water, so to have a healthy thriving shrub, you need to keep it well watered. Plant in very fertile soil, with additional peat added to retain moisture and add acidity. Acid soil for blue flowers and alkaline for pink flowers, aluminum sulfate will add acidity if needed and superphosphate or lime will work to produce pink. White flowers indicate neutral soil. Of course many new cultivars will bloom either pink or blue as with the Nikki series.
Protect hydrangeas well by mulching or planting in a sheltered location. They prefer a shady spot in the garden and hydrangeas that freeze back to the ground may never bloom.
If you want really large flower heads try thinning out the amount of stems. It is a good idea to remove flowers as soon as they are spent to allow the plant to direct its strength into growing and producing new buds, rather than seeds.
Lindi Karmason for Lake Country Greenhouses - 2006-06 |
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