For Northeast Kingdom gardeners considering adding hydrangeas to their landscape, knowing the differences between varieties and their care requirements can help ensure a successful season, according to a recent column by Deborah Benoit, a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass.
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that prefer part shade to full sun in northern climates, with morning sun ideal. They thrive in rich, moist but well-drained soil and may need extra water during dry spells. The key to proper care is identifying which type of hydrangea you have, as pruning and blooming habits vary.
Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), native to the eastern U.S., are hardy in Zones 4 to 7 and bloom on new wood, meaning they should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), the most common in the U.S., bloom primarily on old wood and are hardy in Zones 5 to 9. Their flower color depends on soil pH: acidic soil yields blue flowers, alkaline soil yields pink. Winter dieback can prevent blooming, so plant them in a sheltered spot.
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are the most cold-hardy, suited to Zones 3 to 7, and bloom on new wood. Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia), hardy in Zones 5 to 9, bloom on old wood and offer striking fall foliage. Climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), a vine that can grow over 30 feet, are hardy in Zones 4 to 8 and bloom in shade, though they need strong support and may damage walls with aerial roots.
If a hydrangea isn't blooming, the issue is often pruning at the wrong time. For old-wood bloomers, prune soon after flowering; for new-wood varieties, prune in late winter or early spring. Removing damaged branches can be done anytime.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Jake Bowman via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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