For Hydrangea Lovers Only…. They had

[bgarthe74 92]

Ok…..I am as obsessed with Hydrangeas as I am tropical fish , insects, car shows with my 1980 Datsun 280zx, and fishing. Forgive me, but this thread is all about my 27 Hydrangeas of 16 varieties in the yard. My absolute favorites are Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) with the cultivar, “Love a Lot Pink” being my number one. If you really want to see my obsession, request my yard layout chart and species chart……then you’ll know I’m nuts.

This pic (above) is my favorite “Love a Lot Pink”. It has been around for only three years…..so glad we got all three for sale as I have not seen them since locally.

 

[bgarthe74 92]

So……when my wife asked me what I wanted for my 67th B-day next week, my answer was for 3 of another cultivar we didn’t yet have. It’s a Panicle called “Bobo”. These largely white Panicle blossoms are beginning to turn pink gradually, and then to a rich red in fall. Pics will follow as they color up.
These “bloom” from July to October and change colors to add a punch of delight.

Above are the three new Bobos just planted yesterday.

 

[bgarthe74 92]

Now for the end of August/beg of Sept…… the rich pinks
And direct comparisons from summer to early fall….ñ



For direct comparison…..
This ……

Becomes

And

This……..

Becomes

And

This……

Becomes


Gotta love the Panicle Hydrangeas
This…..

Becomes….

 

[bgarthe74 92]

Oops…..forgot the Hydrangea trees comparison.
This……

Becomes …..

 

[Jennet53 111]

My Hydrangea has died off in all the heat over here. I am thinking that I will maybe dig it up and look at how they turn the roots into ones that can go into an aquarium.

 

[bgarthe74 92]

I’m not sure, but Hydrangea roots probably will not fare well if in water 100% of the time.

 

[Jennet53 111]

I’m not sure, but Hydrangea roots probably will not fare well if in water 100% of the time.

I'm sure I had read somewhere that this is what they use for what is called spider wood.

OK, just looked on Mr Google, it is Azalea or Rhododendron, not Hydrangea. My bad.

 

[seangee43]

My Hydrangea has died off in all the heat over here. I am thinking that I will maybe dig it up and look at how they turn the roots into ones that can go into an aquarium.

They are surprisingly tough. As long as the roots are still white (i.e. not brittle brown sticks) they will come back. Cut the dead wood off the top and throw a bucket of water on it (wait a minute - you should just have had a load of rain).

 

[seangee43]

My Hydrangea has died off in all the heat over here. I am thinking that I will maybe dig it up and look at how they turn the roots into ones that can go into an aquarium.

This is the pile of sticks I rescued less than 2 weeks ago as described. Wasn't convinced it would make it till I saw the new leaves this morning. This particular lace cap will be back

 

[bgarthe74 92]

Some fall Hydrangea pics……
I love them all, but I must say the early August flowers are my fav colored flowers…..white with pink blossoms.
Next month they’ll be largely brownish and pinkish Then, it’s wait until next spring…..to start all over again.
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[Naughts73 145]

When will you prune them?

 

[bgarthe74 92]

The Panicles get pruned in late winter/early spring. The others really don’t get pruned much at all for fear of cutting off next year’s blossom buds that form in late August. The Panicles bloom entirely on new growth each year. My main reason to prune is first to strengthen the plant and second to increase branching which will mean more blossoms. Panicles are by far my favorites and are the easiest to work with.

In the photos above, the numbers 1, 3,4,5,6, 8,9, and 10 are Panicles.

 

[Chickadee54 74]

Nice! I have some vanilla strawberry hydrangeas. I transplanted them a few times and it made them look a little scraggly. I pruned them way back a few springs ago and wondering if I should do it again next spring.

 

[bgarthe74 92]

Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas are really gorgeous and pretty hardy over all. Mine are still young (two years old). My absolute favorite variety is called “Love-a-Lot-Pink” which I have three bushes of.

Your situation is surely unique and specific to your plants, locations, and growing conditions, but the generally accepted rule of thumb is to prune back about 1/3 the height. Now there are reasons for doing more or less depending on what your desired results are. One of my main goals is plant strength bc we live out in the country and it’s windy. So I prune accordingly in late March or so.

How far you prune them depends on your plant size, shape, type branches (thicker or whimpy thin) and what your intentions are for a given plant.