It's Hydrangea Time Ya'll!

 

Oakleaf Hydrangeas in Autumn

 Beautiful colors!

Hydrangea Trees Gone Wrong!

 

Above are some of the Hydrangea trees(standards) that I've been training for around 1 1/2 yr.s. I have alot more in the works. I'm specializing in Hydrangeas, as you all know, and tree forms are a big part of that. They have such a classic, beautiful look about them in pots and in the ground. Underplanted with petunias, Ivy and other things really sets them off! Flank an entrance,  line your driveway, or use as a specimen! 

Yesterday I saw some Hydrangea trees at Lowes. All but maybe three of them were in a sad and sorry state. And on top of it, they were $95 each, and not marked down! 

Here's how they looked:

Now I'm not hating on Lowes, I've gotten many plants there, but guys....this is pitiful! 

The flowers and limbs were flopped down, almost breaking off, and some were burned up and dead looking. There was only 2-3 that looked "ok" but still not $95 worth of OK. Those were quick fire and pinky winky, which both have strong stems and more open airy blooms. I produce Tardiva which also has those qualities.  I guess my point is to consider your local, small growers and nurseries. Most likely, the plants will be in a much better state, and grown stronger and healthier! I should have some available next year, and I'd never offer anything in the sad state you see above! 

Cheryl

Hydrangeas And Pollinators

 

This is a "Flare" hydrangea, a perfect example of the larger outer infertile florets, and the tiny inner fertile flowers. Alot of the more dense hydrangea blooms have little to no fertile flowers, which also means no fragrance and no visits from pollinators.

These lacecap blooms hold less water, and droop less because of it. This hydrangea has an amazingly sweet fragrance, and it's covered every day with butterflies, bees and many other pollinators. Isn't the contrast of baby girl pink and creamy white so pretty?! Tardiva also has a lacecape bloom and very light fragrance. 

Cut Flowers - Hydrangeas

 

It looks like I'm getting wedding flowers ready to go around here! 😊

We're smack dab in the middle of Hydrangea season, and oh my goodness you all, beautiful just doesn't cover it. I planned to wait a little longer to cut some of these, but the weather has other ideas. It's rained and stormed a lot, and is yet again today. We're still expecting several days of rain on top of it. So, some of the limbs are really bowing under the weight of these massive blooms, which are full of water and are very heavy. Strong winds made the situation worse. I staked some because I want to give them more time to get their pink tones this fall. If you want to cut and dry some of these beauties for yourselves, it's very easy to do! You can put them in a vase of water as you normally would to enjoy them as cut Flowers for a bit. But when you want to dry them, only add enough water to the vase so that the stems are touching around 1 1/2-2" of water. Just let them dry like this until the water is gone, and the florets are totally dry. As dried flowers, the possibilities are endless as far as what you can do with them! Make a wreath, spray paint them colors to match Fall or Christmas decor, put them in a pretty antique vase or whatever your heart desires. They can last for several years! 

Enjoy,

Cheryl 

Available -Limelight Hydrangeas

 Available now!

Check them out in my Etsy shop!

Also available on ebay:

Click Here

Climbing Hydrangea

 

Look at this beautiful lady!

Ok, I don't know if my climbing hydrangea is a lady or a dude, but, it's looking great lol!

I'm so excited about those little bloom buds. This type of Hydrangea can take a couple of years to bloom as a new planting. I put this one out last summer. No blooms but it grew, and made it through the winter with no problem. Even though we had that crazy arctic blast around Christmas!

If you're considering a climbing hydrangea, pick a planting site that is either light or full shade, dapple light , or some early morning sun. 

Any hot direct sun will wilt them up and they won't thrive, and may even die. 

They like light moisture but not consistently wet feet. 

Once you find a spot that they like, they'll take off! I think they're beautiful on structures, as well as trees which is where this one will be growing. If you need to prune them, do so right after they bloom. Any other time of year, and you will cut off your blooms because these bloom on the previous years growth. 

Happy growing!

Cheryl