Garden

[Haca]

On 8/12/2014 JustJazzmom said:

On 8/12/2014 Lilysmom said:

On the oakleaf ... Move it in the fall or spring?

Usually you move it before it starts putting out its leaves in the spring. So wait till then.

ETA: my oakleaf is situated on northeastern exposure right at the corner of my patio/deck. It is a showstopper in the summer with the vanilla (to my nose) scented white flowers and then in the fall the leaves turn burgundy colored before they fall off (or remain on for winter sometimes). As oakleaf hydrangeas get older, the bark along the stems starts to exfoliate which gives the plant 'winter interest'.

Yes, I love my oakleafs. They do well here in Virginia, if they are planted in filtered sun. Too much sun (true for most hydrangeas) will definitely put a crimp on their style, lol. I have two of the old fashioned endless summer ones and planted them in the wrong locations about 15 years ago. BUT, they are hanging on and need lots of water during the dog days. When these bushes are in bloom they are show stoppers.

I volunteer for our extension office and teaching garden as MG intern and find it highly interesting and fulfilling. Most of the questions during our plant clinics this year revolved around hydrangeas that didn't bloom.

[JustJazzmom]

On 8/12/2014 Lilysmom said:

JAZZ, thanks for the info on oakleaf. Will move in the spring. Good info on your location. I am sure this thing will bloom eventually. It must be five years old now. I planted a couple of new hydrangeas last year called strawberry vanilla, two colors. They are in bloom now with beautiful white flowers so I will be interested to see how they change through this season. Here's hoping for a milder winter in 2015! As I walked around my garden this morning, I saw small little buds on some that I didn't think would flower so there is some color waiting in the wings. LM

PS ... To those who watched me clear and plant my rock wall this year, it developed beyond my expectations. One of these rainy days, I will try to post some photos.

'Strawberry Vanilla' is very different from the oakleafs. It blooms on new wood. This is why I mentioned that people should ID (if possible) the names of the hydrangeas they have as some varieties prefer more sun (like Strawberry Vanilla) vs. 'Nikko Blue' which prefers morning sun and PM shade.

[Campion]

On 8/12/2014 JustJazzmom said:

On 8/12/2014 Lilysmom said:

JAZZ, thanks for the info on oakleaf. Will move in the spring. Good info on your location. I am sure this thing will bloom eventually. It must be five years old now. I planted a couple of new hydrangeas last year called strawberry vanilla, two colors. They are in bloom now with beautiful white flowers so I will be interested to see how they change through this season. Here's hoping for a milder winter in 2015! As I walked around my garden this morning, I saw small little buds on some that I didn't think would flower so there is some color waiting in the wings. LM

PS ... To those who watched me clear and plant my rock wall this year, it developed beyond my expectations. One of these rainy days, I will try to post some photos.

'Strawberry Vanilla' is very different from the oakleafs. It blooms on new wood. This is why I mentioned that people should ID (if possible) the names of the hydrangeas they have as some varieties prefer more sun (like Strawberry Vanilla) vs. 'Nikko Blue' which prefers morning sun and PM shade.

Thanks for this! I love the Nikkos, and I have morning sun only, so that would be a good variety. Love the idea of the Oakleaf, too.

[Lucky Charm]

Ack! Yes! So sad about them. Although I do see many in the nurseries and was tempted to buy yet another one just for some July August color.

At one house, all I have are hydrangeas, in full sun, in soft sand, and they thrive. They don't get watered regularly as I'm hundreds of miles away. Never 'wilt' in the afternoon heat whereas my shaded ones at home do droop.

But the winters are harsh (rarely snow though) and they were the first ones I noticed that had no blooms. They got big and bushy as usual. Bums me out because it's just a wall of green out front. I like green, but love the pinks and purples more! Here's hoping for next year!

Oh! But the creamy white ones that are 'lacier' did bloom. Crazy huh?

I love to cut them and bring them inside for color that lasts and lasts. You can actually tuck a big hydrangea bloom down in the bottom of the vase and it hides the stems of the ones coming out of the vase. I have big bottomed vases just for that purpose. Looks so pretty to see the flower underwater.

[Lilysmom]

Lucky Charm, great idea about the flower arranging! They survive ok under water I guess. Must look so pretty.

[sinut]

OMG So glad I saw this post, I also was so concerned about my hydrangea. It only produced about a half dozen flowers this year. It started the early blooms but then just stopped. I thought it was something I did because I deadheaded it for the first time last year. So now I know it must have been the harsh winter and not something I did!! OH well, next year I am sure it will have lots of blooms!! I live in Hampton Roads area in Virginia.

[jackthebear]

I clicked on this because like many others posting my Hydrangeas did not flower either. At first I thought it was because the deer were eating them, but walking around the neighborhood I noticed bushes that last summer were bursting with blooms and these had nothing. I was thinking perhaps the harsh winter was the cause.

Hopefully next summer.

[JustJazzmom]

Mophead photo

Lacecap photo

Panicle photo

[Lilysmom]

Jazz, thanks for posting that. I learn so much from you!!! I planted a Pistachio hydrangea this year. Can't wait to see that bloom. I know now that I am a hydrangea addict! I counted more than 20 on my property this morning. I am slowly winning my neighbor over from Rhodos. Great to see everyone's contributions on this topic. Nice to know we are sharing a common problem and that it's not plant care that has us in bloom trouble this year! Apologies for the lack of paragraphs again. If someone knows how to insert them on ipad, pls post. I got the larger print issue. I missed the paragraph one. LM

[mousiegirl]

On 8/11/2014 Lilysmom said:

Thanks Terrier and Jazz. Will do. Hoping for a milder winter this year! Someone told me they don't sell Nikko Blue anymore ... That the Endless Summer variety took them over. I find Endless Summer easier ... Not as fussy in heat. Still love them all though. Happy gardening. LM PS ... Terrier, did you have your garden tour?

Nikko Blue is still sold. I bought one online last year from Hydrangeas Plus.