Tips for Hydrangea Sucess

Tips for Hydrangea Success   Did you know there are 49 species of hydrangeas? Everyone loves the beautiful blooms for lasting color in gardens and for bouquets. One of the main keys to getting the most blooms on your hydrangeas is pruning them at the right time. There are six main types of hydrangeas that are most commonly grown in gardens in our area. Below is a list of the six types and when to prune them.

• Bigleaf – also known as mophead hydrangeas. These reblooming beauties bloom on old wood, so do not prune them.

Pictured to the right is an example, Let’s Dance.          

• Panicle – also known as peegee hydrangeas. These prolific bloomers bloom on new wood, so they should be pruned in late winter or early spring.

Pictured to the left is an example of a panicle, Bobo.    

• Smooth – also known as Annabelle hydrangeas. These are native to North America and are extra hardy. They bloom on new wood, so should be pruned in late winter or early spring.

Pictured to the right is an example of a smooth type hydrangea, Incrediball Blush.  

• Climbing Hydrangea

This type of hydrangea blooms on old wood, so do not prune. Shown to the left is hydrangea Petiolaris.  

• Mountain Hydrangea

This rebloomer is easy to care for. It blooms on old wood, so there is no need to prune it. Shown to the right is Tuff Stuff  

• Oakleaf Hydrangea

This is a type that is also native to North America and very hardy. The foliage has interesting fall color after summer blooms fade. It blooms on old wood, so it is not necessary to prune. Shown to the left is Gatsby Pink.     As you can see, there are many varieties that you do not need to prune. If you want to shape one of these types of hydrangea plants by pruning, the best time is right after they are done blooming.  After determining which type of hydrangeas you have and when they should be pruned, you will be able to enjoy loads of blooms!   The next thing to keep in mind about hydrangeas is that they are water-needy. They need moist soil, but it must be well-drained. They will not tolerate wet feet! They have shallow roots, so they will dry out quickly. A two to three inch layer of bark mulch is an easy way to help keep them moist.   Wedel’s carries all of the above hydrangea varieties as well as about twenty other varieties in many colors and sizes.   Information gathered from ProvenWinners.com.