Pruning Hydrangea
TomInGig
Posted: Jan-28-2005 at 10:56am
Hi, I'm relatively new to the area. I'd like to know how and when I should be pruning the Hydrangias I have in my yard. Any suggestions? Thanks, Tom
DebbieTT
Sunset zone 5, USDA zone 8
Joined: Jan-25-2003
Location: Washington, Kitsap Peninsula
Posted: Jan-28-2005 at 11:49am
Hi Tom, Welcome to Rainy Side.
Its going to depend on what kind of Hydrangeas you have as to when the best time to prune is. Can you give us an idea?
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If it's rare, we want it. If it's tiny and impossible to grow, we've got to have it. If it's brown, looks dead and has black flowers, we'll kill for it. ~Ken Druse
Tom
Posted: Jan-30-2005 at 7:20pm
Thanks for the quick response on my hydrangeas. Unfortunately without some guidance, I can't answer your question regarding what type I have. The flower is about the size of an orange and mostly blue in color. Does that help at all? Tom
Lisa A
Joined: Aug-15-2003
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: Jan-30-2005 at 7:53pm
Sounds like a mophead, Hydrangea macrophylla.
They bloom on last year's growth so you don't want to prune it hard or you'll lose this year's blooms. Here's how to prune it:
Prune off last year's blooms to the 1st bud or pair of buds beneath the spent flower. If this is an established shrub, you can prune out the oldest branches to the base. You can tell which are the oldest branches because they will be the biggest diameter and the least green. Select branches to improve air circulation within the shrub and to improve its shape. Do not prune more than 1/4 or 1/3 at most.
Welcome to Rainy Side!
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Gardening in Sunset Zone 6, USDA Zone 8.
"If you are not killing plants, you are not really stretching yourself as a gardener."
~ J. C. Raulston
Tom
Posted: Jan-31-2005 at 8:33am
Lisa A. and Debbie TT,
Thank you very much for your suggestions. I'll do just as you recommend. Also, thanks for letting me know it rains on 'this side'. Without that valuable information, I never would have known.
Tom In Gig
Lisa A
Joined: Aug-15-2003
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: Jan-31-2005 at 11:50am
Oh ho, another funny guy! Hey, you'll fit right in with our merry group.
Glad we could help. We hope we can again.
__________________
Gardening in Sunset Zone 6, USDA Zone 8.
"If you are not killing plants, you are not really stretching yourself as a gardener."
~ J. C. Raulston
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