Hydrangea Message Board
Archive Year 2003
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FROM: Patty patty_funkhouser@msn.com 12/31/03 2:32 PM Central
I want to transplant part of a large hydrangea plant . When should I do it??
FROM: Carolyn CarolinaT@darientel.net 12/29/03 8:53 AM Central
What is the proper way to prune hydrangas??? Most of mine are three years old. Zone 7-8... Coastal Georgia Thanks, Carolyn
FROM: Brian bdavis1906@cox.net 12/23/03 10:46 AM Central
Hello. Earlier this year my wife and I received three beautiful hydrangias as gifts. We planted them in the back yard in a great spot. It is now late December in Virginia, fairly cold, and they are looking as if they are dying. My question is do they go dormant in the cold months and revitalize come Spring, or do I need to do something now? Thank you.
FROM: david ede dzede@middlemore.co.nz 12/19/03 6:02 AM Central
how do i take cuttings from hydrangeas and when. David
FROM: david ede 12/19/03 6:01 AM Central
how do i take cuttings from hydrangeas, and when. David
FROM: Judy Bilbro agnillc@cox.net 12/14/03 3:40 PM Central
I am looking for a Pee Gee Hydrangea plant to give my aunt. Where can I find one for sale?
FROM: Bernadette geometro1997@hotmail.com 12/14/03 7:16 AM Central
OK you will want to vomit when you read this. We had over 2,000 Hydrangea's in Michigan. We did nothing to them, they where so large at times we would cut them down to the ground in the winter or spring. It was a to say the least a wonderful site. Cut them, don't cut them, either way they came back huge and healthy.
FROM: Bernadette geometro1997@hotmail.com 12/14/03 7:06 AM Central
I am in love with the Pee gee Hydrangea tree, but I have moved to Florida. Has anyone tried to grow one down there? I am in Centeral Florida.
FROM: Kathy kathygriest@cox.net 12/13/03 8:58 AM Central
I live in Virginia Beach and have two hydrangea bushes in my garden that seem to have been infected with rust. It has gotten cold here and we had our first frost a couple of nights ago. Will it do any good to try to treat the rust now or should I wait and see how the plants look in the spring?
FROM: lizzie grandmavasco@yahoo.com 12/05/03 7:52 PM Central
Hello, I live in houston,texas and I am trying to grow a hydrange. I would really like to know what I am doing before I plant the flower in the ground.I believe the nursey man told me to plant in the shade is this correct? I would like to know about to get the soil ready. thank you for your help lizzie
FROM: Ellen Gallagher ellen.curotte@sympatico.ca 11/30/03 9:25 AM Central
Can you show me the color chartreuse?
FROM: Perennialguy hrayn@comcast.net 11/25/03 9:43 AM Central
Close out time at nurseries allows one to purchase many plants at drastically discounted prices. I've loaded up with several new varieties as well as some 'unknown' varieities in colors I didn't have previously. The plants range in size from one to three years growing in gallon or larger pots. The average cost has been less than $5.00 ranging from $3.00 to $6.00. Loaded with flower buds, some still in bloom, transplanted into good soil and covered up for the winter, these vigorous plants should give quite a display next summer. It's giving me a quick way to replace the plants I had to leave behind when we moved away from my ten year old collection back in Virginia. My new Tennessee garden will wipe out my sadness at leaving behind so many great plants, shrubs, trees, and conifers.
FROM: debbie debbieann13@msn.com 11/24/03 9:43 PM Central
I am looking for a inside plant urn and base. The huge pot has lots of grapes and berries with grape vines. This is not painted on but put on or sculpted like a piece of ceramic. My husbands grandfather bought this for his wife a long time ago. I have searced for this all over and have yet to locate one. Any info on this planter would be appreciated.
FROM: debbie debbieann13@msn.com 11/24/03 9:41 PM Central
I am looking for a inside plant urn and base. The huge pot has lots of grapes and berries with grape vines. This is not painted on but put on or sculpted like a piece of ceramic. My husbands grandfather bought this for his wife a long time ago. I have searced for this all over and have yet to locate one. Any info on this planter would be appreciated.
FROM: Alexandra alex@warmington.fslife.co.uk 11/24/03 11:33 AM Central
I would like to know the best time of year to prune a climbing Hydranger it is an old one in a small court yard facing west.
FROM: Robert Bragg braggrob@hotmail.com 11/24/03 9:14 AM Central
We have a small tree farm in Durant Oklahoma, with about 2500, 6-8ft (watermelon red) Crape Myrtles ready to be sold, we will also have 10,000 of the same in one gallon buckets, that will be ready in early June.(Delivery available)
FROM: James Wilson jdwil23@hotmail.com 11/21/03 12:43 PM Central
How to care for the climbing Hydrangea. The leaves are turning brown on the edges
FROM: James Wilson jdwil23@hotmail.com 11/21/03 12:43 PM Central
How to care for the climbing Hydrangea. The leaves are turning brown on the edges
FROM: Wilna Smith iam109@lycos.com 11/20/03 5:41 AM Central
Dear Pete and fellow Christmas rose growers, as we love to call them here in South Africa. I love Hydrangeas and my mom use to have massive bushes in our garden. She has recently discovered them thru me again and is looking for the old VERY PURPLE COLOURED one we use to have in our garden. The shades we get shown tho are very pale and washed out. Has anyone kept a piece of this 'green gold in purple" and are they willing to part with just one little cutting? I would love to surprise her for Christmas. Wilna Smith South Africa.
FROM: Randy randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 11/19/03 8:14 PM Central
Hello Karen- About Your Hydrangea over the winter in Kansas City- Dig up your Hydrangea And wrap it up good and move to Va. Beach Va. and that will solve your Hydrangea Problem. Randy from Va. Beach Va.
FROM: Karen chicaloca68@yahoo.com 11/19/03 7:27 PM Central
I'm a little confused from the answers I've seen regarding winterizing my plant. Should I be cutting back my Hydrangea and then mulching it or just piling mulch up around the base. It's on the east side of the house and I live in Kansas City
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 11/18/03 11:06 PM Central
I would cut it back severly to the main trunk not to the ground. A friend of mine has PeeGee's over 70 years old and every few years cuts them back severly to the trunk. They are 15' or so tall. This will allow the roots to get reestablished without wasting efforts on growing leaves.
FROM: Paul paulie328@yahoo.com 11/18/03 10:21 PM Central
Help! Our Hydrangea was knocked over by a car! Our grandmother did it by accident. I'm pretty sure it's a PeeGee, and it's been on the property for at least 20 years. The trunk (about 5' tall) was not completely severed from the ground and I was able to stand it back up (propped up by stakes). I don't know what else to do. Any ideas would be greatly apprecited.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 11/15/03 4:49 PM Central
Many people are asking about protecting their H. during the winter. Most H. varieties will withstand local sub-freezing temps in most areas especially if they are native to that area. Adding fresh mulch 2-4 inches high from the fall leaves is an excellent protection.
Problems arise from late freezes in your local area after the new buds begin to set. Keep a close on on your H. toward the end of the winter. If a freeze is forecasted and your buds are set, then covering for that night or two may be warranted.
For pruning instructions, see elsewhere on this web site.
FROM: Donna 11/15/03 12:55 PM Central
I have some pruning questions. I have many hydrangeas along two sides of my home. Three years ago my husband pruned them back to just about 8 inches above ground. The next year they did not bloom at all (as expected), last year only a few bloomed and this year all the white ones bloomed but the blue plants had not one bloom. Does anyone know if we have just ruined them or dare I hope that next year will bring blooms on all of them? They are HUGE healthy looking plants. Help, please!
FROM: Judy jsandks@sbcglobal.net 11/15/03 9:37 AM Central
I planted new hydrangeas this year - north, east & west exposure and I want them to survive in spring. How do I winterize and how much do I prune?
FROM: Lesli lpeterson@vcgsoftware.com 11/13/03 9:35 PM Central
Pike Nursery has a deal with distribution of endless summer. I got mine at a local nursery. I think Wilkerson Mill is also selling it at www.hydrangea.com - they are awesome.
FROM: ShirleyDawkins dawkinst@msn.com 11/13/03 8:08 PM Central
Where can I buy an Endless Summer hydrangea?
FROM: ShirleyDawkins dawkinst@msn.com 11/13/03 8:07 PM Central
Where can I buy an Endless Summer hydrangea?
FROM: Karen chicaloca68@yahoo.com 11/08/03 10:26 AM Central
Is there anything special I need to do to prepare my hydrangea for the winter? It's on the east side of the house
FROM: Lesli lpeterson@vcgsoftware.com 11/08/03 8:16 AM Central
It is probably too late to put them in the ground - not enough time to get them established. I would pot them up really well in good soil and put them in the basement or garge for the winter. They will go dormant - they need the rest. Then you can plant them in the ground in the spring.
FROM: Patti Westburg pdwestburg@aol.com 11/07/03 8:05 PM Central
I have just recieved 4 hydrangeas in four inch pots all healthy with lots of leaves. I live in zone 4? Vermont. I want to know can I keep them inside and continue to grow to get a better start for spring? or do they need to go dormat for the winter? I hate to put them in the groung we are getting nights in the teens and have already had snow. Should I put them in the groung anyway? It is not frozen yet.
FROM: Patti Wetburg pdwestburg@aol.com 11/07/03 8:01 PM Central

FROM: Shirley dawkinst@msn.com 11/03/03 12:56 PM Central
Where do I get answers to my questions? Am anxious to know if I can divide my macrophylla when I move it this winter? I live in Zone 7-B
FROM: frank hein heinfthein@peoplepc.com 11/03/03 0:21 AM Central
I don't know when to cut back my plants, living here close to Oregon Coast, 15 miles inland from pacif pcean. Need some tips, and strange enough, had big plan , but No bloom this year, thank , frank hein
FROM: Karen Potter chicaloca68@yahoo.com 11/02/03 5:06 PM Central
I have a 2 yr old hydranga that finally bloomed this summer. It was beautiful. It's on the east side of my house. Should I do anything to protect it through the winter. I live in Kansas City, MO
FROM: Peter PeterStanley76@hotmail.com 11/01/03 11:13 AM Central
Should I cut down my Hydrangea for winter??Should it be cut 5" from the ground. I live in Massachusetts. It bloomed for the first time this year. I would like to keep it blooming next year
FROM: leslicupp lpeterson@vcgsoftware.com 10/29/03 1:53 PM Central
It takes a long time for climbing hydrangea to bloom. The best thing to do is chop chop chop. If you let it grow without pruning it hard, it will never bloom. Don't be afraid to cut it back hard.
FROM: HERBERT LIGHTFOOT Herbert_Lightfoot@msn.com 10/29/03 1:21 PM Central
I HAVE HAD A CLIMBING HYDRANGEA FOR 6 YEARS AND THIS YEAR WAS THE FIRST TIMEIT HAD THREE CLUSTERS ON IT.HOW CAN I INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF FLOWERS. ZONE 5 CLAY SOIL MOST SHADE
FROM: stacy 10/28/03 3:32 PM Central
when do i prune them?
FROM: sarah 10/27/03 10:49 PM Central
How do I dry hydrangea? I've tried hanging them upside down...and they just wither and look sickly? (Spokane, WA - hydrangea cut at friend's home in Seattle)
FROM: Shirley dawkinst@msn.com 10/27/03 4:56 PM Central
Is it possible to divide a macrophylla when moving it during its dormancy this winter?
FROM: Teresa Abowd tabowd@adelphia.net 10/27/03 10:47 AM Central
I live in zone 5 and am wondering about the care of my hydrangea bushes. I am not sure of the variety but they are getting large and need to know the care and pruning of these bushes.
FROM: Helen Springer Helen_Springer@msn.com 10/26/03 2:58 PM Central
Hello! I have a rooted cutting from an Oakleaf Hydrangea -- this has sentimental value because the cutting is from a plant that still flourishes in the yard of my deceased mother's old home. The cutting was taken in July, has rooted, has produced several healthy leaves and I'm wondering when and how to plant it. Do I save it inside over the winter? Will it go dormant inside? I don't want to kill this nice little plant and need help! My home is near Fredericksburg, Virginia--I have a wide range of options for planting--sun, shade, part shade, etc. Thank you, Helen
FROM: Hugo hskoppek@yahoo.com 10/26/03 12:14 PM Central
I have recently moved to Holland and inherited a garden with about a dozen of well established hydrangaes (3-4 feet tall bushes). However, they are scattered throughout the garden and I would like to transplant several of them. Is thiis at all possible or do I risk losing them ?
FROM: kathy and tom shaw clement@primary.net 10/26/03 8:02 AM Central
to the resident of Michigan (zone 5) with the Nikko Blue. Do not prune your macrophylla now .. Everything ever written on these states that these bloom on last years growth . we have made this mistake and have suffered. We are in zone 5 and the Nikko Blue often suffers from our sever St.Louis weather. I will admit that we have had some blooms after we pruned by mistake but these were very few. We also have mac. All Summer beauty, and Dooley that produce some flowers on new growth. There is a new plant that will be available this year called Endless Summer, and is reccommended to zone 4 , it is a macrophylla and blooms on new growth. We just purchased two this fall and will have experience with these next spring. Our two dooleys wer planted one year ago and are already 4 feet tall and about 4 to 5 feet in diameter, They were on year old when planted. There are numerous pages on the internet that you should read before prunning, try hydrangeas plus, or hydrangeashydrangeas, or several of petes reccommendations.
FROM: Jeff Schaub jschaub3@chartermi.net 10/25/03 8:34 AM Central
I live in northern Michigan (zone 5) and have just planted a Hydrangea macrophylla (Nikko Blue). The nursery instructed me to cut it back to about 5 inches high for the winter. My question considering my zone is this: Should I cut this back every year to insure blooming and if so what size may this limit this plant to? I have had lots of sugestions, but I ma seeking good advice. Does anyone know where I could obtain a lot more information for growing these in my region?
FROM: Judy McCarthy lrchsjud@aol.com 10/23/03 10:32 AM Central
I hope I have not done something to take myself off the messages...I have not recieved any for a long time....maybe this is vacation time or something....Jud
FROM: Judy McCarthy lrchsjud@aol.com 10/16/03 11:19 AM Central
Hey there all you hydrangea lovers...eat your heart out....Tomorrow I am having lunch with none other than the Hydrangea Lady herself...Penny McHenry....she is in my town, Shreveport, Louisiana as a guest speaker at the Master Gardener's convention....I have been included in a small luncheon tomorrow to help give her a bit or our local hospitality...I feel very honored...and I am quite excited....Hope I learn a thing or two...Just thought I would pass this along.....Judy
FROM: Lesli lpeterson@vcgsoftware.com 10/14/03 8:44 PM Central
I have 2 H. integrifolia and 2 H. seemanii that I got this year. They are planted in pots and I live in zone 7 - North Metro Atlanta. I am bringing all my other potted Hydrangea into the barn for the winter when they go dormant, but I am uncertain what to do about these evergreens...any ideas?
FROM: lp lpurnell@bearden-smith.com 10/13/03 1:50 PM Central
should i put cow manure around my hydrangeas for winter?
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 10/12/03 9:41 AM Central
Prunning Panniculatas: This is really an interesting subject which is totally determined with which type you have and how you want it to look. We once purchased a Unique in a 5 gallon container that only had about 5 or 6 branches, It was pruned heavily and had only 5 or 6 flowers but they were each 15 to 18 inches in length . It was an absolutely fabulous specimen plant. Early the next spring we carefully pruned it back to about half its heigth just above its bloom nodes. Within 2 years of such prunning we had a beautiful full shaped plant, full of flowers, but none we as big as the 15 to 18 inch ones when it was new.In recent years we have grown a couple of dozen per year which we give to friends and customers and we advise the annual prunning in late February or early March ( we are in the St. Louis -St. Charles Cunties area zones5-6) most of the people who we have given these to who have followed our advise have grown beautiful plants. One of our friends,however, pruned theirs almost to the ground the first year. This plant was 3 years old this year, 6 feet tall and produced flowers 18 to 21 inches long and about 8 inches at the base. We also have raised Pan. Pink Diamond, Pee Gee, and more recently Limelight. We pruned some limelight liners about 2 months after we planted them and they are great. You almost have to experiament with these. good luck
FROM: kathy and tom shaw clement@primary.net 10/11/03 9:25 AM Central
re: Annabelles, we prune ours bace around September every year just to clean up our garden. We used to wait until Feb. or March but since ours are in full sun the do look raggidy. You will probably have new growth but this just adds to their fall appearance. Most of the Annabelles that are in partial shade seem to maintain both he color of their flowers or even a beautiful transition to lime green while their leaves are dark green. No matter how hardy this plant is filtered sun is its best growing condition.
FROM: Mary H. Snyder marys@crosslink.net 10/10/03 9:23 PM Central
I have been unable to find instructions on "pruning hydranga's". I have several "hydranga paniculata" Pan.'Tardiva' that are now 7 or 8 feet tall and need to be pruned. I live in zone 7, acid soil,full sun, age of plants 4 years.We have had an unusual amoun of water fall this year.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 10/10/03 3:12 PM Central
The brown leaves and blooms are normal for this time of year. PG's flouish almost to frost.
FROM: lynda lgnewport@highland.net 10/10/03 10:34 AM Central
Hi, I live in zone 6, Tn, i have a big leaf hydrangea, and all the leave are turning yellow and brown, and the bloom is also a dark brown now, is this normal for this time of year? in the summer it got half sunlight, now it doesn't get hardly any now, what could be wrong? my peegee is doing great, leaves are still green....any replies would be appreciated.
FROM: S. Dawkins dawkinst@msn.com 10/09/03 6:01 PM Central
I have an Annabelle in a very prominent place in my garden. It was beautiful until about the first of August and has deteriorated since then. There is nothing wrong with it---it is just natural changes---blooms becoming brown---leaves with brown spots and looking very droopy!! What damage would I do if I cut it back now instead of next spring----or could I have cut it back in August? I live in Zone 7-b---central Mississippi.
FROM: Shirley Meyers meyerssj@comcast.net 09/28/03 6:10 PM Central
I live in Maryland - zone 7 and am trying to find the best time to trnsplnat my hydrangeas. I have two (both have bloomed) that are planted in front of star magnolia trees and are extremely cramped for space. Would like to move them out and beside the star magnolias instead but don't know when or how to do this. Any help would be appreciatd.
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 09/28/03 8:47 AM Central
to pauline; the pee gee or Paniculata grandeflora is one of he best plants for zone 5 that you can plant . It is a tough plant that can survive bad winters and hot sun. Its natural course allows its leafs to change color generally from the bottom up starting in late august. If it isplanted with late afternoon shade its flowers will turn pink or sometimes a lime color. There is a new paniculata variety called limelight that is a lime colored variety ofpee gee. Do not try to increase the acidity in you soil for this plant as this will not turn blue no matter what you feed it. Just use a 10/10/10 fertilizer. This plant droops much like an Annabelle after rain. We have raised about 100 of the limelights the last 2 years. We are in the St. Charles County (south) area and have given these out to friends in the Augusta,Defiance, New Melle area where the temperature variations are very wide and harsh and these plants do well here. the Pink Diamond is becomming a popular plant for this area also. Good luck
FROM: Pauline pauline.condon@century21.com 09/28/03 6:17 AM Central
I recently purchases a Pee Gee Hydrangea Tree - The leaves have some brown spots - Does this plant need a more acid base soil - It does have the flowers - some are nice and white and some are sorta of dry looking. I live in Zone 5 - any suggestions so that I don't loose this tree. Its planted in the North - West corner.
FROM: faye goolsby fayegoolsby@yahoo.com 09/27/03 11:00 AM Central
What varieties of hydrangea will bloom in Tampa Fl??? Please help. I love them.
FROM: Ken Merfeld Merf98@Webtv.net 09/26/03 5:47 PM Central
Newbe to raising Hydrangeas!! Do you divide them in the fall or wait till spring?
FROM: faye goolsby fayegoolsby@yahoo.com 09/26/03 5:46 PM Central
I love hydrangias. I've had trouble getting bloom in Tampa Fl Please help.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 09/25/03 4:18 PM Central
Maggie...
I have a climber that is about four years old. It too has not bloomed. A friend of mine told me his finally comae out in year six, so I am being patient. Try some Miracle Grow for Azeleas in the easly spring, follow instructions and don't over fertilize.
FROM: maggie rush maggierush72003@yahoo.com 09/25/03 4:03 PM Central
I have a climbing hydrangea. I planted it 5 years ago, it has completely covered the trellis, but has never bloomed. The nursery said it would have large white flowers and that it could be planted in shady areas. I live in zone 5. Thank you, Maggie
FROM: Therese 09/24/03 9:20 PM Central
I have planted 30 hydrangas on the east side of our home 13 years ago. I cut then down in the spring to about one foot, put l tblsp of miracid at the base of each one, chop the trimmings and throw it all around the plants. I never protect them in the winter, as I think they are pretty with the snow on them. I live in MN. I have soaker hose that I weave around them, and I put a tomatoe cage on each one.About every two weeks I spray them with that fertilizer that all stores carry, that can be put at the end of the hose. They grow hugh, as big as platters. Some turn pink, some are blue, most are white, the pee gees are lovely. I just picked a bouguet today. Some I put in water others I just stick in a vase to dry. A bunch I took to work eight years ago are still great. dry.today.
FROM: Victoria Alexander VickyA@aol.com 09/24/03 3:35 PM Central
I need to transplant several mature hydrangea plants. When and how do I go about this. I live in northern Virginia. Thanks so much for the assistance. Victoria
FROM: Joan Coleman jcoleman@infoblvd.net 09/19/03 6:43 AM Central
To dry them you don't put them into water. Just pick them and place them where they won't be crushed. They'll dry naturally. Spraying with hairspray helps to keep them longer. I keep mine at least one year. The ones I dry are peegees variety.
FROM: Sharon Budd sbudd@sympatico.ca 09/18/03 1:58 PM Central
I would like to know how to dry the hydrangea flowers, most of mine are at least 9inches across. I cut most of the flowers off today and put them in water, we are expecting a bad rain and wind storm tomorrow. I am in Southern Ontario Zone 4.
FROM: Jeanette elmobee@aol.com 09/17/03 8:04 PM Central
I am looking for a nursery that has hydranger ball tree for sale, I live in the Northeast, New York State
FROM: Amy Kutch atkutch@tls.net 09/16/03 11:36 PM Central
I planted two hydrangea bushes last year. One bloomed last year; the other did not. Neither bloomed this year. They are planted in partial shade under spruce trees. They appear to be very healthy plants -- they have doubled in size, but did not bloom. One plant has a varigated leaf the other plain. The soil is mostly clay which I am improving with compost. I live in Zone 5. Thanks for any info on my problem.
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 09/16/03 7:11 AM Central
To the Mariesie owner in northern Illinois, we planted this over five years ago and have seen only one bloom. We keep it because of its verigated foliage which is attractive. We have been told that this needs a long growing season to produce flower buds. The best we have found out is that this is best for areaS 7 TO 8. We are located west of St. Lois in zone 5. We have very little shade and what shade we do have is too much shade. We have extreme winds, cold and brutal sun in the summer. Because of these factors we have suffered every problem that we see com across this board. We are hoping in the next few years that the new trees we have planted will provide us with some protection and that where we have too much shade we will thin this our. Do not prune your macrophyllas in fall ,winter or spring close to the ground. The best luck we have had with these is when we waited until the were almost completely foliated and then pruned just their tips and maybe a few old stalks to the ground(these were stalks that appeared dead) On our annabelles ,we prune these every late fall, or late witer to about 10 inches from the ground. The most consistent plants we have found in our zone 5 area are the arboresence(annabelles), alll the oakleafes and all the paniculaas. The macrophyllas bloom maybe 2 out of every 3 years depending upon the severity of the winters and the protection they have.
FROM: judy fuzzie2232002@yahoo.com 09/15/03 3:19 PM Central
I have a year old macrophylla"Mariesli" in northern Illinois that only bloomed last year when I planted it, why didn't it bloom this year? It is partal shade, with morning sun,and I water quite a bit but don't know why it doesn't bloom a lot of leaves. thanks for help
FROM: annette angelc8568@aol.com 09/14/03 3:01 PM Central
my hydrangea has never bloomed. it's three years old, in full sun, located in northwest pennsylvania. what do you think?
FROM: Michele mmbates@hotmail.com 09/14/03 1:38 PM Central
I'm having the same problem,where are the answers??? We summer up near Watertown,NY,,,and have rocky ground,,,I have 2 blue hydrangeas, 3 yrs old now, one has grown about 3 feet the other only 1 1/2 that,,,no blooms,,, and only 1 bloom on the larger plant, but the flower doesn't open, just a few peddles on the outside of the bloom,,how deep does the soil need to be for hydrangeas? I've raised my beds but the larger plant droops badly when the mid-day sun hits,,,also should I cut the back, and how much? for the winter....Please help,,,my husband is getting tired of me talking to anyone I can find for information, no one here seems to know the care and up keep of these beautiful plants..
FROM: Shirley dawkinst@msn.com 09/13/03 6:11 PM Central
I have always been told that a hydrangea must have some sun or order to bloom---that lack of sun is the main reason for lack of blooms
FROM: Marion mglacroix@aol.com 09/13/03 2:52 PM Central
could any one help me, I have five hydrangea plants, have had them for a few years, and this is the first year that I have had a bloom. Only one. Do they need a lot of fertlizing? Also, do they need to be cut down and how far down, for the winter. I live in midwestern Ontario. Thanks for any advice.
FROM: maggie rush maggierush72003@yahoo.com 09/13/03 10:49 AM Central
why would a healthy looking bush, planted 3 yrs. ago not bloom? it is planted in full shade, I was told they would bloom in shade.
FROM: charleye charley_fran@hotmail.com 09/12/03 12:48 PM Central
We live in a cold winter climate in MW. How should I prepare my hydrangea's for winter? Is is best to cut them to ground level? Idea's welcome.
FROM: charleye charley_fran@hotmail.com 09/12/03 12:47 PM Central
We live in a cold winter climate in MW. How should I prepare my hydrangea's for winter? Is is best to cut them to ground level? Idea's welcome.
FROM: Stephanie Sinclair s_tiffy@hotmail.com 09/10/03 7:34 PM Central
What kinds of fertalizers do you feed the hydrangea to make them change colors?
FROM: Caroline 09/09/03 10:26 PM Central
I am wondering weather I should prune the past blooms of my hydrangea. I would like to dry the beautiful blooms but don't want to hurt my plants. Also, what about pruning butterfly bushes dead blooms?
FROM: Jack Williams jwilli3601@aol.com 09/09/03 8:06 AM Central
I am looking for a source for Hydrangea querifolia (Oak Leaf) 'alice"
FROM: Katie kmt52@hotmail.com 09/07/03 8:17 PM Central
I luuuuuuuuuv hydrangeas and wanted to have them in my wedding on November 8th in xone 10a (San Diego, CA). I was wondering if anyone knew how possible this dream of mine will be.
FROM: Dorothy Brand Benjidot@msn.com 09/06/03 6:44 PM Central
the second blooming of my Hamburg blue hydrangeass set out in May is a chartreuse green. How do I get the color back to blue or even pink? I really don't care too much for green blooms. THe plants have grown, and spread and look wonderful, and have many blooms, but all are GREEN. I have watched them about a month thinking they would turn, but no, they are now beginning to brown a bit. HELP
FROM: Rhoda donaldruben@aol.com 09/06/03 12:03 PM Central
I would like to cut some blooms off our new hydrangea bushes to use in a flower arrangement. Will this hurt the plant and, if not, what is the best way to take the cuttings. Thanks for any info.
FROM: joanne put@tds.net 09/05/03 11:56 AM Central
I live in mid. Michigan how do I protect or winterize my new this year hydrangea from the winter elements?
FROM: joanne put@tds.net 09/05/03 11:51 AM Central
live in Mid. Michigan how do i protect my new this year hydrangea from the Mich elements?
FROM: Cindy K ckellne1@rochester.rr.com 09/03/03 5:32 PM Central
Hi - I have several varies of hydrangeas growing throughout my yard in upstate NY (Rochester) Most are 3-4 years old. For some reason the majority of my plants did not bloom at all this year or had very few blooms. Has anyone else had this problem this year & does anyone have any suggestions. Thanks.
FROM: lucia LBILICH@EARTHLINK.NET 09/03/03 8:06 AM Central
HOW DO I GET MY HYDRANGEA PLANTS TO BECOME A DEEP PUPLE. THE LAST TWO YEARS THE COLOR HAS FADED TO A PALE PINK AND THE PLANT DOES NOT LOOK AS STRONG AND HEALTHY AND PREVIOUS YEARS. I LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST.
FROM: Emma emmyrn2@hotmail.com 09/03/03 6:01 AM Central
In early June I moved to a new home and planted 2 Nikko Blue's, they both have had small blooms since then. My concern is that the greenery has some yellowed/black spots, it doesn't appear to be insects but I'm unsure. I live in zone 6, they recieve afternoon sun. There is new growth on the plants. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
FROM: Judy Schmidt EarlyRetireGram@comcast.net 09/02/03 8:08 PM Central
What is the best way to dry hydrangias. I heard that they should be cut from the bush while the hydrangias are still beautiful and then hang up-side-down in a dark room. Is this true.....or is there a better way?
FROM: Jennifer jduffy29@yahoo.com 09/02/03 6:33 PM Central
Hello - I recently purchased a home and there are 3 beautiful hydrangea trees out front. I've been doing some research and am fairly confident that they are of the Pee Gee variety (white conical blooms that turn pink and then tea color as they age). We have had a great deal of wind & rain lately and my trees are all bent over as if they are sagging under the weight of the branches & blooms. Is this normal at the end of the season? What should I do to keep them blooming so beautifully? Thank you!
FROM: janet Jclark@licvb.com 09/02/03 1:48 PM Central
help I just moved to a new home on Long Island and the hyrangers are old and have not been cared for. The flowers are 1/2 dead. Where do I begin?
FROM: Dave L longhid@attbi.com 09/02/03 9:32 AM Central
I have a climbing hydrangea that won't bloom. It is six years old and growing vigorously. Currently 15 feet high and growing up a stone chimney facing east with plenty of morning sun. I have been trimming it to encourage upward growth. I live in Pittsburgh, PA, Zone 5. Is there anything I can do to encourage blooms? What is the best time of year to trim these plants?
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 09/01/03 11:24 AM Central
The Pg's in Northern Va have probably seen their peak for the season and are now getting their fall colors. Same for the SF bay plants. Spring is coming.
The blooms you are getting this late on the Nikko Blues are probably on new green wood, this years's new stalks that did not have blooms on them in the spring. It is perfectly normal. In many cases it is a sign of a good, healthy plant and a good growing season, both allowing the buds to form on this year's wood. Don't worry about them. The blooms are usually less well formed that the earlier blooms in June, but that should not effect next year's blooms.
H. have been used often in weddings, usually in June when the Nikko Blues are in full bloom. You might need to find a source for some later blooming varieties in your local area. Talk to florists in the area. Be sure to arrange to pick the blooms within a day or so of the wedding.
FROM: Roe ysaler1@yahoo.com 08/31/03 8:41 PM Central
I live in Northern Virginia. I have two PG Hydrangeas. They are both in full sun. One is going from white flower heads to a light green and the other is going from white flower heads to a great deal of browning. Please advise
FROM: Dorothy wgtdct@aol.com 08/30/03 6:38 PM Central
I live in the SF bay area Calif. My hydrangias leaves are spotted and drying and turning brown. They get plenty of water. Any ideas why??? Thanks Dorothy
FROM: The lone Hydranger mharrison9@austin.rr.com 08/28/03 4:12 PM Central
Recently i read a letter from a woman who purchased a beautiful hydrangea and proceeded to care for it in all the wrong ways at which time she asked for help and having a love for all plants especially this one it drove me to respond to her in, shall we say a most sarcastically reprimandable way. I have a saying about planting it goes like this READ BEFORE YOU SEED. You see new gardeners, plants dont choose us for their care if they did a lot of yards would be empty, We choose them and so lies the responsibility,To learn FIRST how to care for them and what will harm them. for often times the more the beauty the more we must learn of them! This was my concern and i told this female this sharply only to have her claim she read your bbs and all the links. STILL she did everything wrong? She was angry i pointed this out to her. oops! I know i,m not the most diplomatic gardener but that really bothers me when people say they did, and I know they didnt, so dont did not and do or do not and declare did thats dumb Sooo for all you who had to suffer through this I offer my humblest apologize for stiring up that bucket of worms. ( little gardening joke) maybe pete could put up on the bbs read this AND COMPREHEND this before you ask or read this or well send the hydrangea secret police after you if you dont! or we will find out all the things that make you sneeze and ... oh well just kidding hope this clears up any Qs. Now back to the business of planting. Flower power JB
FROM: The lone Hydranger mharrison9@austin.rr.com 08/28/03 3:21 PM Central
if you look at what typically blooms in july and august you may be able to locate a grower of these on the board but your best bet seeing as you are east would be to buy them in bloom from a grower just before your wedding and have them either shipped or pick them up it just depends how important this is to you, but it is possible to get them just not all kinds will be easy
FROM: The lone Hydranger mharrison9@austin.rr.com 08/28/03 3:02 PM Central
zone 8 1/2,9 my nikko blues and mop heads and lace caps have all had there anual blooms and have stopped for about three months now but it looks like i may have new ones starting sooo my Q is two fold will this change their spring blooms as it does in other flowering bushes or can i count on two blooms each (very long) season
FROM: Lucy 08/28/03 11:43 AM Central
Hi, I live in New Jersey. I am getting married next August. I do not knw much about the Hygrangea except I think it is the most beautiful flower ever. Can I use hydrangeas for my bouquets? Can anyone venture a quess for me? I have not spoken to a florist yet.
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 08/27/03 10:36 PM Central
There is nothing wrong with your annabelles turning lime green after 5 0r 6 weeks of bloom. Although these can stand sun too much will burn them up after a long time. In our St. Louis area these are always one of the best Hydrangeas. We have noticed several old annabelles that are never pruned and their smaller flowers might not sun burn as fast.
FROM: 08/26/03 8:44 PM Central
Dearest Joseph W. Harrison. I came to this board for HELP because I was not doing something right regarding my hydrangea. I did not ask to be blasted by your rude comments regarding my lack of reading skills or my disconcern for these lovely plants. If everyone were an expert on Hydrangeas, we would not need boards like these. I received extremely helpful advice from other very kindly persons from this board and my plant WILL SURVIVE!!! I am now signing off this board for good because I do not wish it to turn into a "Let's trash the poor girl" website, as you so desperately want it to be. I hope everyone else enjoys your comments! Now please leave me alone with my recovering Hydrangea.
FROM: Randy randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 08/26/03 8:10 PM Central
Read my posting 8-04-03 in reference about getting yourself a (MOISTURE) Meter for Approx. $5.00 so you know when to and when not to water your container/ in ground planted/ in house/office plants and even when you need to irrigate/ or need not to irrigate your turf grass, or shut up about not knowing if you are watering your plants correctly. Randy
FROM: Kathie Lenihan klenihan@richtravel.com 08/26/03 12:22 PM Central
HELP....my Annabelle Hydranges flowers are (except for maybe 2 flowers) are green and then turn brown...what should I do....
FROM: Joseph W. Harrison mharrison9@austin.rr.com 08/26/03 1:42 AM Central
Today i spoke to a biochemist who also happens to be a avid flower and friut tree guardener. I was speaking to him about the lack of blooms on such tempermental plants as the orchids, hydrangeas and various hybiscus and was surprised to hear that the fires in certain places around the country and south america were playing a large part in blosssom production and he also told me that to make his bloom in this inclement weather he started using a liquid nutrient,regularly for his varoius blooms. I visited his home this afternoon and it was a menagerie of blossoms from the drive way to the back fences. It was to say the least a double treat for i received an educational lesson in biochemistry and a botanical tour i won't soon forget!
FROM: Carolyn Burgess 08/25/03 3:18 PM Central
I've had my hydranger five years. The first year it got flowers, that was it . It hasn't had flowers since.What am I doing wrong? It had lilac flowers.I live in MA.
FROM: 08/25/03 1:34 PM Central
People please read this message carefully, This is a beautiful plant! that is why you bought it!It is also a complicated plant so please understand that its beauty is only matched by its need for care! In other words you get out what you put in and IF you put the wrong things in it you'll get sick plants so read and read and read before you take it out of the travel pot PLEASE!!!!! iT WILL LAST LONGER IN IT, THAN BAD SOIL OR INCORRECT FERTILIZER SECOND:DONT FERTILIZE A FRESHLY TRANSPLANTED HYDRANGEA AND LAST IF YOU DONT HAVE A LOT OF PATIENCE LET SOME ONE ELSE BUY IT OR GIVE IT AWAY BUT DONT DO AS MICHELLE GOLDBERG IN PENSLAVANIA DID AND "TRASH IT" IT'S JUST A PLANT AND DOESN'T DESERVE YOUR MISGUIDED ANGER, IF IT WILTS!
FROM: 08/25/03 1:18 PM Central
Pee Gee killer in Pa. Dear Michelle Goldberg, Your abusive responce to your Question and your acusation of instability towards me for your mistakes leads me to only one conclusion your ignorance is only matched by your arrogance. Reading is fundamental for any gardainig but comprension is paramount my dear pee gee assasin and you obvoiously do not comprehend so along with these charming attributes we can add, misguided brut! Because instead of trying to fix your mistake you turn you anger for me to your plant! And you think i'm an emotional wreck? All I can say is "the guilty dog barks loudest" PS give it away dont just give up on it.
FROM: Judy jyaskis@charter.net 08/25/03 7:51 AM Central
We live in Cenral MA . Some years we get blooms on our hydrangeas, but this year, not a one. What are we doing wrong? The plants are several years old - some are in sun and some in partial shade. There are in good soil(loam).
FROM: Michelle Mickeddie@yahoo.com 08/24/03 8:15 PM Central
Today is Sunday, 8/24 and I am looking at my Pee Gee Hydrangea tree that I bought just 9 days ago and wondering weather to water it or leave it alone or do something extraordinary. A week ago I purchased this hardy looking tree and planted it in the ground. I think I originally planted it too low and I also did not add anything to the clay dirt I used. The tree slowly began to droop and the leaves turned yellow. This past Friday - 7 days after I first planted it - I re-planted it, using top soil combined with organic compost. I also used Miracle Gro Quick Start because I think it must have experienced transplant shock. Saturday morning, I gave it A LOT of water. I mean A LOT. I think I ran the hose on a low trickle for about 30 minutes. Today is Sunday and it is looking even worse. The leaves are turning brown, the stems almost look black, and the flowers are drying up. I cannot tell if it is getting too much water or not enough. The branches do not break (they do bend and fold down however). I checked the soil and it is just moist (odd after all that water from yesterday). Did I kill my brand new Pee Gee Hydrangea tree or is there something I can do to save it? I live in SE PA and it has been very hot and dry lately. Is my tree dehydrating or drowning? PLEASE tell me something - ANYTHING - that will help revive my tree. Thank you so much for your help.
FROM: Joan Coleman jcoleman@infoblvd.net 08/24/03 4:09 PM Central
What is the best time to plant peegee hydrangas in zone 5? One nursery here says Fall, I've read Spring. The plants here cost $100.00, so I don't want to take any unnecessary rishs.
FROM: Suzette fitladyh@hotmail.com 08/24/03 2:48 AM Central
I want to divide my Hydrangea. What and when should I do it?
FROM: Christine catchabear@msn.com 08/23/03 10:39 AM Central
my lace hydrangia has not bloomed since I planted it last year. the leaves are good size and green, no signs of sickness or bugs. why isnt it flowering?
FROM: Joanne rokinrojo@webtv.net 08/18/03 8:26 PM Central
Why did"nt my hydrangea bloom this year? The leaves are healthy , there are no buds !
FROM: Joanne rokinrojo@webtv.net 08/18/03 8:26 PM Central

FROM: Joanne rokinrojo@webtv.net 08/18/03 8:25 PM Central
Why did"nt my hydrangea bloom this year? The leaves are healthy , there are no buds !
FROM: Judy Lovell JudyLovell@rcn.com 08/18/03 5:39 PM Central
I had a beautiful hydrangea which was doing well. With the hot weather it has wilted. How can I bring this back?
FROM: shorty@wirural.com 08/18/03 3:00 PM Central
i'm in zone 7, the plant is from this summer that i bought it and i added lime and furtilizer. do you need to prune these plants before fall is wisconsin?
FROM: vicki Lathem lathamx2@aol.com 08/17/03 9:39 AM Central
leaves turning yellow. Live in Iowa. Water doesn't seem to be answer. Help I have a hydrangia tree. in bloom now
FROM: vicki Lathem lathamx2@aol.com 08/17/03 9:37 AM Central
Live in Iowa. Don't know zone...have tree hydrangia 3 years. Leaves on tree turning yellow. Been dry but water doesn't seem to solve problem. half of tree is much worse than other half. What could I try It is in bloom now
FROM: teresa canderozzi terri21@optonline.net 08/16/03 7:40 AM Central
My plants are about4 years old and I still get very few flowers, about 1 or 2 per plant.
FROM: Diane Kane dbkane@sonic.net 08/15/03 9:03 PM Central
Hi, I wrote in with questions on 8/10, and have not gotten an answer. How long does it take to get a reply? Would love to get some answers. Thanks
FROM: Rose rrwhitfield@aol.com 08/15/03 7:38 PM Central
I had received a hydrangea for mother's day and just planted it about a month ago. It is putting on new growth but it's older leaves are turning brown on the outside and some of the new leave have tiny brown spots on them. I live in zone 9 and my plant in facing east. Gets morning sun. Any help will be welcomed.
FROM: Kristine ksoosie@hotmail.com 08/15/03 3:03 PM Central
I bought a Nikko Blue hydrangea in May and I cannot seem to get the plant to do anything. I first planted it in morning sun, afternoon shade. It always seemed to droop even though I watered it thoroughly. Then I planted it in a container and put it on the porch with morning shade and some afternoon sun. Nothing, it started looking really pitiful. I have now planted it again in my flower bed with morning shade and afternoon sun, but I think I may lose it. It does though have new growth, but them stems have few leaves. What can I do to save my hydrangea?
FROM: 08/14/03 1:44 PM Central

FROM: Janice Knutson okgrapevine@centurytel.net 08/13/03 9:29 AM Central
Some of my impatients have what looks like a blight. They have black spot and quit blossoming.
FROM: normarae normarae@fast.net 08/12/03 11:38 AM Central
proper care of hydrangia's
FROM: Patty pattyave515@hotmail.com 08/11/03 7:33 PM Central
I live in Ct. and my blue and pink hydrangeas don't bloom fully. Maybe 3-4 blooms on each shrub. Is it lacking a nutrient? I do give the blue ones aluminum sulfate for acidsoil and the blue color. They are lace hydrangea. Any advice?
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 08/11/03 10:50 AM Central
For Pam with no e-mail address- I venture to guess your Lacecap Hydrangea with white floweretts is the Tokoyo Delight as I grow this plant and it sounds like this is what you have. Why not ask the sender??? Randy
FROM: pam 08/11/03 0:39 AM Central
I live in the mountains of virginia and have recently seen the most gorgeous bushes, I think are hydrangae. Traditional leaves and stems but the blossoms are like a white rocket of lacecap type flowers....would anyone hazard a guess what these are? I'd love to get some for my yard.
FROM: 08/10/03 8:37 PM Central

FROM: 08/10/03 8:37 PM Central

FROM: Diane Kane dbkane@sonic.net 08/10/03 8:26 PM Central
I live in zone 9. My Hydrangea (which is small and approx 3 yrs old) is planted in a mostly shady area. It was facing south, and got too much afternoon sun, as it wilted daily. I replanted it in a little bed in a breeze way that is covered by the roof,but it does have an open sky light above it. So it gets light all day and a short period of afternoon sun. When it gets in the 90's or 100's it would wilt. I covered the sky light with a screen cloth. That solved the wilting problem. My question is, it only had 3 blooms, 1 large and two small. Will it have anymore flowers, or is that it for this season? I love hydrangea's, I did give aluminum sulfate and it was a nice shade of lavender.My home has lots of sun, or shade. Are they acid loving plants? When do you fertilize and what kind should I use? I don't think I will prune it, as it is still pretty small, and I was told it blooms on the old wood, so if you prune it how does it bloom? I live in Santa Rosa, CA. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you
FROM: Cynthia Cambrola c.cambrola@verizon.net 08/10/03 3:45 PM Central
When is best time to prune lace cap hydrangeas (they are quite leggy). I live in Rhode Island. Would appreciate advice.
FROM: Sharon baalachi@avantel.net.mx 08/09/03 7:20 PM Central
Please help! How do I look after hydrangeas I have just been given. They are currently in pots. I don't know what variety they are - they just look like ordinary garden variety hydrangeas - if you'll excuse the expression. I live in Oaxaca, Mexico, at an altitude of 4500 ft. The climate is usually warm and sometimes hot. I was told to keep them out of direct sunlight (it can be fairly strong). How often need I water them and how much? Currently they are in complete shade, I water every few days. They are not doing well. The flowers are very tiny. The leaves are turning yellow. Are they better in the ground? Do they need more light.Will they grow in very clayey soil? I have looked very hard for answers but haven't had any success. I would be very grateful for any information.
FROM: CARYL 08/09/03 5:59 PM Central
When can I trim my oakleaf hydrangea......it has outgrown the space available in my flower bed. How do I trim my oakleaf hydrangea - I've never done it b4.
FROM: Leonia busybee59@att.net 08/09/03 5:26 PM Central
My plants got 6 feet tall thes year but no flowers.Can anybody tell me why?
FROM: Leonia busybee59@att.net 08/09/03 5:24 PM Central
My plants got 6 feet tall thes year but no flowers.Can anybody tell me why?
FROM: michelle mdaddino@hotmail.com 08/09/03 10:54 AM Central
My Limelight hydrangea is not so limelight this year. The flowers are white! Last year when I bought the plant it had beautiful green flowers. What happened? The plant gets morning shade and afternoon sun.
FROM: doug 08/08/03 6:20 PM Central
what are the different names of azeleas plants
FROM: 08/08/03 12:52 PM Central

FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 08/08/03 9:03 AM Central
Have you read my post about $600.00 Hydrangeas,year after year, chances are you have several if you have mature named plants. Also multi Thousands of $$$ Hedge,Flowering Trees,Shrubs,Herb plants and many other plants. If you want to know more contact me directly at randy_gibbs@hotmail.com
FROM: VEE dVERNAd8@AOL.COM 08/07/03 8:04 PM Central

FROM: VEE dVERNAd8@AOL.COM 08/07/03 8:03 PM Central
i LIVE IN THE NORTH EAST. I HAVE THREE TYPES OF HYDRANGEA, THE COMON ONE, CLIMBING, OAK LEAF. I DID NOT GET ANY BLOOMS ON ANY OF THE PLANTS, LAST YEAR THEY WERE FULL OF BLOOMS CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT IS HAPPENING. I DO NOT SEE TOO MANY IN BLOOM IN THE AREA
FROM: ann danncnc@wmconnect.com 08/06/03 1:42 PM Central
I have an hydrangea with medium to large leaves and very large heads of white flowers which tend to be flat and turn to a very pale blue as the age. Can anyone help me identify this variety?
FROM: Lisa lisacolabresemiller@hotmail.com 08/06/03 8:41 AM Central
Thanks to those explaining the indoor winter solutions. I am going to try to bring my potted (zone 6) inside in the fall using the same technique as Deb described. Deb, I might be in touch with you. THANKS!
FROM: Jean Anderson jeana@netcom.ca 08/05/03 11:25 PM Central
I am looking for sources to order or purchase different varieties of hydrangeas for my garden.I live in Ontario, and I have not had much success, finding a source to purchase from. All of the web sites I have located so far have been in the USA and it is difficult to bring plants across the border. I would appreciate any assistance that you can offer. Thank you in advance. Jean Anderson
FROM: Lisa lisacolabresemiller@hotmail.com 08/05/03 6:32 PM Central

FROM: Lisa lisacolabresemiller@hotmail.com 08/05/03 6:32 PM Central
Thanks for the info! My next guestion is- should I plant the mac."Dolly" in the garden now or is it too late in the growing season to get the roots strong enough? Thanks!
FROM: Linda Thompson thethompsonshome@aol.com 08/05/03 4:20 PM Central
I have four hrangias in my flowe garden and none of them have flowered hey are at diffeen places in the garden some in the sun and some in the shade what am I dog wrong?
FROM: Lisa lisacolabresemiller@hotmail.com 08/05/03 2:20 PM Central
I am a new grower of Hygrangeas. I have loved them forever! My question is: Can I leave my mac. "Dooley" in its large container for the winter? I live in south/central Pennsylvania-zone 6 (I think) Can I leave it outside? My plan was to establish it first and then plant it in the ground during growing season next year or later. It is, however, a grocery plant! It is very healthy/hardy and bluming super! What is your advice? Thanks for you time!
FROM: Lucinda lucinda_shorey@hotmail.com 08/04/03 3:08 PM Central
My little hydrangea is in it's first year, we are in Northern Alabama in zone 7 CLAY!!!. The plant is located facing west. My plants leaves get so brown on the edges that they eventually curl up and die...any advice?
FROM: Maddy onlymaddy1st@yahoo.ca 08/04/03 1:42 PM Central
Annaenll Hydrangea, leaves are turning yellow
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 08/04/03 10:06 AM Central
There is always a question as to when your outside/inside containers, turf grass, in ground planted trees, shrubs, herbs, perennials etc. need to be watered/ need (not) to be watered and you can have that questions answered in a few seconds of your time with a (moisture meter) cost Approx. $5.00 from Wal-Mart, Lowes home centers in the Garden shops. No batteries to replace I have been using the same one for 9 years. What a deal, you will save plants/ irrigation water and peace of mind all for Approx. $5.00, much more at gardencenters. Your friends/neighbors will say, you must be a lot smarter than you look.
FROM: Deb debgrossnickle@msn.com 08/04/03 5:52 AM Central
I agree with Pete on this. I live in zone 4, but have quite a few plants that are zone 6 or 7 that I grow in pots. I bring them inside before the first frost, and put them in my sunroom for a couple of months. I gradually slow down on watering them, then move them to my basement just before Christmas. I leave them in a room with just one small window, so the daytime light is very dim, and continue to water lightly about once a month. Then toward the end of March I bring them back to the sunroom and start to water regularly to wake them up. Buy the time it's warm enough to put them back outside, they have good growth and are ready to go for the summer. I was told you couldn't winter a hydrangea indoors, but I have had great luck with it for years now. Lost a few along the way trying to perfect the timing, but this method seems to be working great now! I also have about 25 zone 5 & 6 plants planted outside, which I winter just like I do roses, wrapping them in burlap and piling them with leaves, and have found that works great, too. Good luck!
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 08/03/03 10:12 PM Central
My understanding is that most H. need at least 900 hours of dormant time under 45 degrees, but above freezing.
FROM: kathi kathiw@kans.com 08/03/03 9:40 PM Central
I have several potted Hydrangeas, fall is just a round the corner and I was wondering what is the best way to winter them over. I do have room to bring them in the house and they will receive several hours of sun. Thank-you.
FROM: MARY ANN ma.miller@comcast.net 08/03/03 8:07 PM Central
I LIVE IN ZONE 7 AND MY PINK LACE CAP HYDRANGA IS IN PAERTIALLY SHADE, MOSTLY SHADE. IT HAS ALWAYS DONE VERY WELL, BUT THIS YEAR THE NEW GROWTH BECAME LIMP shortly after emerging AND IT BEGAN TO LOOSE LEAVES. IT ONLY PRODUCED A VERY FEW DEFORMED FLOWERS. I HAVE SPRAYED FOR INSECTS AND FUNGUS WITH NO CHANGE. TODAY I DUG IT UP TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD GOTTEN TO ITS ROOTS. THE ROOTS LOOKED HEALTHY. I DID NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF GROWTH AND ROOTS. COULD IT BE AS SIMPLE AS NEEDING TO BE DIVIDED? I AM STUMPED!
FROM: Julia jmelson@cox-internet.com 08/03/03 2:41 PM Central
I live in Arkansas..northern part...with three beautiful hydranga bushes...However, I would like to trim them. They have just finished blooming. Do I cut on them now, or wait until spring? How far back to I trim them? Any help?
FROM: Maria Fulkerson mariabf87@hotmail.com 08/03/03 2:38 PM Central
I live on Long Island, NY and i would like to dry the blooms can anyone suggest the best time to do this and a tried and true method? Thanks.
FROM: ac 08/03/03 2:18 PM Central
I have seen on the internet, you can purchase in the store a jel that works in the microwave. Suppose to be fantastic.
FROM: sandy bsmamer@centurytel.net 08/03/03 10:24 AM Central
I would like to dry my hydranga flowers. Is there a home remedy I can use to preserve the color?
FROM: Maria Fulkerson mariabf87@hotmail.com 07/31/03 10:35 PM Central
I transplanted a 3 foot hydrengea 2 weeks ago. It was in full bloom now it looks dead..do you think it was the wrong time to move it? Can I help it in anyway. I live on Long Island NY.
FROM: deborah dmoore@payrollguardian.com 07/31/03 10:30 PM Central
How can I keep my white hydrangea WHITE? It has been white (beautiful) for a number of years but is not tending towards blue.
FROM: Jori Carlo carlo287l@yahoo.com 07/31/03 8:00 PM Central

FROM: Jori Carlo carlo287l@yahoo.com 07/31/03 8:00 PM Central
I have two Hydrangea bushes and they have not bloomed yet. The leaves are very green and it looks very healthy, but I am get really worried. I fertilized them a couple of times and I water them regularly. Every other year they have blloomed by now. Is this normal or is there something wrong?
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@Primary.net 07/30/03 11:49 PM Central
to the To the Annabell grower in Chicago. Just keep going with your pland This should bloom in full sun, partial shade but very weakly in full shade. In early spring or late winter try pruning to within 9 inches of the ground. Fertilize with something like osmocote. This is the easiest fertilizer and on dose in April should do the trick. These are very thirsty plants so do not neglect them in their first two years. We usually plant ours when the have been grown in two or three gallon containers and dig a hole two or three times as big as the container. We also ruffle up the roots and soak the plant in a light mixture of root stimulater. Be sure to fill around the roots with a good soil mix so the roots have plenty of easy opportunity to grow. This plant will grow laterally from runners. Don't be too concerned about the lack of flowers the first year since that ia the time for them to grow a good root foundation. We hate to do it but sometimes we prune liners back too far for them to bloom the first year. I think Pete reccommends not letting them bloom the first two years. good luck.
FROM: arlene arlenecarlson@hotmail.com 07/30/03 4:08 PM Central
Last year at this time I purchased a annabell and it has never bloomed. Any suggestions?
FROM: arlene arlenecarlson@hotmail.com 07/30/03 4:07 PM Central
I live in the Chgo area. Purchased a annabell last year at this time and it has never bloomed. Any suggestions
FROM: Ginny VBird52@msn.com 07/30/03 0:03 AM Central
Our hydrangeas were started from cuttings approx 8 years ago. We live in South Jersey, where the soil is sandy, but we've enriched it through the years with fertilizer and top soil. The plants are huge, but we've never had any blooms (?) Help! The plants are in a sunny area, and appear to be thriving in every other way. Any tips would really be appreciated. Thanks. Ginny
FROM: Pam ppd181@comcast.net 07/29/03 8:17 PM Central

FROM: Pam ppd181@comcast.net 07/29/03 8:16 PM Central
I purchased a hydrangea last year with blooms on it-it made it through the cold winter we had in New England but this year the plant won't seem to bloom any flowers-what should I do?
FROM: Tiffaney Gruber tifgruber@hotmail.com 07/29/03 4:33 PM Central
Okay- I read the archives and saw a similar question but tell me what the home page address is!!! I can only seem to access the archive/message board page.
FROM: Tiffaney Gruber tifgruber@hotmail.com 07/29/03 4:20 PM Central
I purchased a Pee Gee Hydrangea tree over the weekend- it had a few yellowing leaves so I took them off. I planted it and the next day there were more yellowed leaves.The leaves do have some browning areas, not really spots. We planted with a mixture of humus as directed by the nursery. Does the tree just need time to adjust to it's new location or is it diseased?
FROM: 07/28/03 6:00 PM Central
go to hydrangeahydrangea.com but first get some misting water spray on those babys You have not read this bbs guidelines for Q.s as these have not been answered and it makes them impossible to help you any further as the page gets the same firstimer messages about 15 times a day and can you imagine saying the same thing 15 times a day not to mention typing the same thing 15 times a day not to mention loving these flowers and hearing about the dangers they are in 15 times a day and haviing the person who has these BABIES deny you 15 times a day the information you desperately need to help them 15 times a day and not to mention 15 times a day you are forced to sit back, unable to administer aid to the suffering 15 times a day this my child prodigy is the only way into the kingdom hydrangea where the growers are pleasant and the blooms are plentiful and remember theres no place like HOME
FROM: jAMIE jamie_b@comcast.net 07/28/03 8:06 AM Central
My hydrangeas were just planted. They are blue. Most are lying on the ground, and turning brown and seedy, new growth is apparent....but some look like I should cut off oall the flowers. What should I do. Do I cut the ones lying their heads on the ground...even though they still look ok...not brown totally yet...and how often should I water them? i LIVE ON THE BEACH OR NEAR IT...AND HAVE SANDY SOIL......i AM LOST..PLS. HELP ME
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 07/28/03 7:58 AM Central
Message to K Price re: Forever Pink, This is best pruned in late spring, you will notice the foliation starts at the bottom of the plant and slowly works its way up the plant. You are best not to cut until you think there will be no more foliation at the top of the stem and then cut just above the last or next to last bud. The plant will look scragly during early spring when it starts foliating but don't worry. Sometines you will have stems that could be cut to the ground, you will be able to identify these. We use a slow release fertilizer. This is a good plant and the foliage is dark green. EACH ONE OF OUR GARDENS HAVE DIFFERENT SOILS , OUR WELL WATER OUR PUBLIC WATER IS DIFFERENT AND OUR WEATHER IS DIFFERENT. CONSULTING A LOCAL PROFESSIONAL IS ADVISABLE. The suggestions sent in here are very helpful, Pete has done a fabulous job. Sometimes gardening can create some seemingly unsolvable mysteries but with time and research MOST OF THE ANSWERS MAY BE FOUND. We have had some extremely good luck with our hydrangeas namely the annabelles, and all of the Paniculata varieties. All of the macrophyllas are eratic in our Missouri zone 5 climate.The first two years our plants did great and when our trees started producing the shade we thought we needed our blooms reduced, Each garden is different.
FROM: Fay piersa@ptd.net 07/27/03 9:57 PM Central
The Michigan Bulb Co. (www.MichiganBulb.com)has in their Fall 2003 catalog a Lemon Wave hydrangea that might be what you're looking for. It has varigated foilage in cream, yellow, white and green, with bluish-mauve flowers. It looks like a lace cap to me. Hope this is of some help.
FROM: Vi. Foss amfos@msn.com 07/27/03 5:51 PM Central
Does anyone know where to purchase a lemon zest hydrangea. It has lemon coloured foilage and is beautiful.
FROM: Jim Johnston carnada@earthlink.net 07/27/03 12:48 PM Central
Sorry...I forgot to include my email info with the first try. I have some beautiful hydrangas growing in 12" pots, the plants are now about 12 inches tall, full size leaves with very full 7 inch deep blue flowers. I grew up in Georgia and I am used to large plants, and this is the first time I have seen such small hydrangas...very unique, they are not what I consider miniature, but just short, healthy with full size leaves and flowers. I have another that is the same height, but with smaller 4" light blue flowers, leaves slightly smaller. Does anyone have any idea what type of plants I have? I cannot consult any books, as I live on the nothern coast of Colombia and there are few resources here. The weather is hot, humid, usually 32C in the day, and very windy. I have learned that I must water them every morning here without fail for them to do well. The plants have had beautiful blooms now for the last 3 months, and more flowers are forming, it appears there is no end in sight for the blooming. A new shoot appears every time a flower is finished, it appears that the plants will never exceed 18 inches or so...any ideas? If anyone wants to see a photo I can send one upon request.
FROM: 07/27/03 12:46 PM Central
I have some beautiful hydrangas growing in 12" pots, the plants are now about 12 inches tall, full size leaves with very full 7 inch deep blue flowers. I grew up in Georgia and I am used to large plants, and this is the first time I have seen such small hydrangas...very unique, they are not what I consider miniature, but just short, healthy with full size leaves and flowers. I have another that is the same height, but with smaller 4" light blue flowers, leaves slightly smaller. Does anyone have any idea what type of plants I have? I cannot consult any books, as I live on the nothern coast of Colombia and there are few resources here. The weather is hot, humid, usually 32C in the day, and very windy. I have learned that I must water them every morning here without fail for them to do well. The plants have had beautiful blooms now for the last 3 months, and more flowers are forming, it appears there is no end in sight for the blooming. A new shoot appears every time a flower is finished, it appears that the plants will never exceed 18 inches or so...any ideas? If anyone wants to see a photo I can send one upon request.
FROM: Sandy rsimerly@comcast.net 07/27/03 11:26 AM Central
I have beautiful macrophyllas, but NO BLOOMS! Some are in partial shade,some in part sun, some in full shade. About 1/4 of them have blooms while the others have nice foliage, but no blooms. I used a slow release fertlizer in the spring. Could someone tell me how I can get all of them to bloom? The plants are 2 to 3 yrs. old, the soil us generally acid as I live in a wooded area, and I live in Zone 6. Thank you so much, and happy gardening!
FROM: Deb debgrossnickle@msn.com 07/26/03 2:56 PM Central
Great idea! Pete...how does that sound to you? It would really reduce the junk emails, and would make it easier for new members to get their questions answered. (Although the Home page answers most of the questions, if we could just convince people to look there first.) I noticed there are fewer members now than a few days ago...victims of repetiton?
FROM: JOSEPH W HARRISON mharrison9@austin.rr.com 07/26/03 2:32 PM Central
are the questions asked by people who become members and leave their e mail address for bb publications if not maybe we could have the message bouard just below a big big faq link and that way burn out wouldn't be so rapid for all us new and devoted hydrangea enthusiast something like "DRYING,CUTTING,TRANSPLANTING,PRUNNING,FERTILIZING FAQ's click here
FROM: Coleen jensen103@comcast.net 07/26/03 12:37 PM Central
I think that my hydrangea is suffering from overwatering or something and I don't know what to do about it. It is all droopy and wilty looking and the leaves are yellow...help
FROM: James Kearney James.kearney@wanadoo.fr 07/26/03 7:53 AM Central
My sincerest sympathies to Pete and my sincerest appreciation for his patience in answering questions that are answered in the several books on sale about Hydrangea. If you love Hydrangea as I do (I now have 30 of them planted), buy a book. Pete has his recommended book(s). I sent a list of books that can be bought on the new and used book market. Pete must be going crazy seeing the same questions over and over again. Just my humble opinion. James in France
FROM: lynda lgnewport@highland.net 07/26/03 7:07 AM Central
Hi, i have just propagated some hydrangeas which look more like snowballs, i was wondering, now that i have them rooted, how do i take care of them? i am in zone 6,TN. do i haft to protect them from the winter months? do i keep them in pots? i haven't found any info on after they are rooted, Thanks
FROM: JOSEPH W HARRISON mharrison9@austin.rr.com 07/25/03 5:13 PM Central
GO TO THE HOME PAGE FIRST GO TO THE HOME PAGE FIRST GO TO THE HOME PAGE FIRST BEFORE !!!!! BEFORE YOU ASK QUESTIONS
FROM: Ruth Solomon Snoarkay@aol.com 07/25/03 4:48 PM Central
How does one dry Hydrangea flowers?
FROM: dianna 07/25/03 10:59 AM Central
Your site needs help, where do you find the answers, sounds like I'm not the only one having trouble, make it easier, or don't do it at all.
FROM: Anna Turner aturner@mtng.com 07/25/03 10:53 AM Central
I have 2 hydrangea bushes that are in their 5th year and have yet to bloom. They are in full sun, well drained soil. What are they lacking?
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 07/25/03 8:02 AM Central
To the family fromKansas, You probably have a problem that is best solved by a LOCAL PROFESSIONAL who knows the local soil and growing conditions. None of us should risk your garden with non proffessional advise and without an on site review. It sounds like you need a professsional now.
FROM: Fonda Teske fteske@classicnet.net 07/24/03 4:37 PM Central
I have just moved to Kansas, we are having some problems with the leaves on some our trees and plants turning brown and curling. How can I identify the problem? We are watering 1 to 2 times a day. Our neighbor is having the same problem. There are mushroms growing in our yard, could this be a fungal problem? What is the best way to identify this and determine what to use. I was so excited to move to Kansas from South Dakota especially for the great gardenting. I am very disappointed.
FROM: Laurene Silvani laurene59@hotmail.com 07/24/03 12:56 PM Central
okay, I need to know what to feed my hydrangea to make it bloom pink? and what do I add to the soil to make the blue ones more intense in hue??
FROM: Wondering Plant man 07/23/03 4:44 PM Central
To Kathy and Tom Shaw: can the Annebelle plant that becomes "globular shaped flowers be the other arboresence "lace cap" revert back to global flowering plants?
FROM: dylanna dduncan@vestal-wiler.com 07/23/03 9:40 AM Central
I have recently cut two large hydrangea and would like the best way to dry, currently I have them in water.
FROM: Kathy andTom Shaw clement@primary.net 07/22/03 11:46 PM Central
To the gardener with the non-blooming annabelle. This is probably the hardiest of all hydrangeas. We prune this plant back to about 12 inches from the ground in late winter every year. Ours are in full sun and we also grow several each year under a shade screen in 2 gallon containers. The only time we have not had flowers is under the shade screen this year, I think we might of over watered these plants. Its possible you gave your plants too high a nitrogen count or they were in too deep of shade. Recently we have seen several annabelles that did not have the usual globular shaped flowers be the other arboresence "lace cap" flowers
FROM: Sharon sharonroddy@yahoo.com 07/22/03 9:36 PM Central
Deb is right. If people would just take the time to read all of the great information linked from the Home page, many of their questions would be answered. All sorts of info is there: how to take cuttings, drying the blooms, how to make them blue or pink, where to plant them, how to prune - it's all there. Just take the time to click on the links and you'll probably find what you are looking for. It worked for me.
FROM: Deb Grossnickle debgrossnickle@msn.com 07/22/03 8:07 PM Central
For everyone who keeps looking for the answers to the quesstions...many of your questions are answered in the links on the Home page. Pete has done a great job of providing lots of detail...and we appreciate him for that! Many questions are answered directly to the person who is asking, rather than to inundate all 183 members with repetitive information. Also, many questions do not give enough information for some of us to understand the problem, much less come up with a solution for you. As to the matter of the message board itself, you might want to refer to paragraph 3 on the page you use to send your message
FROM: Connie Chickinard@aol.com 07/22/03 7:36 PM Central
Sue, From what I gather unless you happen to get a private answer, which I am yet to do, then your question doesn't get answered. Also you do not get to see the answers to any other questions. Sort of useless board if you ask me.
FROM: Sue sukibby@netins.net 07/22/03 7:19 PM Central
why cannot I find the replies to the messages posted here. Nothing to click on to find the answer
FROM: SHERRY ROBBINS sherry_canoe@yahoo.com 07/21/03 2:03 PM Central

FROM: SHERRY ROBBINS sherry_canoe@yahoo.com 07/21/03 2:03 PM Central

FROM: SHERRY ROBBINS sherry_canoe@yahoo.com 07/21/03 2:03 PM Central
I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON BLUE HYDRANGES FOR MAKING MY WEDDING BOUQUET,ARANGMENTS, AND. WOULD THEY BE AVAIABLE IN OCT. MY WEDDING IS 10/18/03
FROM: nikki jnts4@aol.com 07/19/03 12:16 PM Central
nikki again i live in central massachusetts
FROM: nikki jnts4@aol.com 07/19/03 12:12 PM Central
nikki again i live in central massachusetts
FROM: nikki jnts4@aol.com 07/19/03 12:12 PM Central
i found a hydrangea in the woods it is white and would like to dig it up how should i do this
FROM: nikki jnts4@aol.com 07/19/03 12:11 PM Central
i found a hydrangea in the woods it is white and would like to dig it up how should i do this
FROM: Sarah girldoctor@zoomtown.com 07/18/03 1:21 PM Central
I am a new homeowner and would like to transplant a cutting from my grandmother's hydrangea bush. How would I go about doing so? I know nothing about hydrangeas, but my gram's hydrangeas were always very prominent (appear in many family photographs going way back) and dear to me. It would mean a great deal to have part of them. Thanks.
FROM: MARY 07/18/03 11:21 AM Central
HOW CAN I CUT MY HYDR. FOR A BOUQUET AND NOT HAVE THEM DROOP????
FROM: Jim Kearney james.kearney@wanadoo.fr 07/18/03 7:28 AM Central
I did a little research on book about Hydrangeas and found the following. Using the websites of www.Amazon.com, www.Alibris.com, www.abebooks.com and www.Fetchbooks.info I found the following list. Some are out of print but may be found on one the used book store websits above. The Hydrangeas by Michael Haworth-Booth Hydrangeas by Glyn Church Hydrangeas By Daria Price Bowman - listed as out-of-stock on Amazon Hydrangeas:Species and Cultivars By Corinne Mallet -Listed as Out-of-Print on Amazon Hydrangea Production: A Grower's Handbook Series by Douglas A. Bailey -Listed as Out-of-Print on Amazon Also Hydrangeas are surely discussed in the following books Effective Flowering Shrubs by Michael Haworth-Booth The Effective Flowering Shrub Graden by Michael Haworth-Booth Ciao, Jim Kearney
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 07/18/03 7:02 AM Central
Correction on our last message: we always plant just an inch oe so above the ground level
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 07/18/03 6:59 AM Central
To the gardner from St. Louis with the clay soil. Amend your soil as best as you can. We live in the south end of st. Charles County and have solid clay. Our planting beds were dug out about six to nine inches and replaced with top soil and compost and cow manure. these beds were finished off about six to nine inches above the original ground level. Most of our plants grow like super stars with a major problem of overcrowding. When we plant our hydrangeas we dig a hole considerably wider than the root ball and never plant a little above the surface. We have found the all of our hydrangeas (with the exception of the panniculatas) will grow by runners so the wider the hole the wider the plant will quickly grow. Our planting beds are 6 to 8 years old and already need supplementing with fresh compost. The other problem we have found is the alkalinity in our public water.To the gardener with the forever pink hydrangea : This is a macrophylla that definately blooms on last years growth. Just dont prune it until late in spring and then only if the tips have still not foliated. Then if you have to just prune it bace to just above a bud that looks alive.This is a beautiful little plant with dark green waxy looking leafs that will always bee a compact excellent addition to your garden.
FROM: KP tkprice101@msn.com 07/17/03 9:55 PM Central
What is the proper pruning of a Forever Pink Hydrangea? My Forever Pink did not bloom this year. Should I prune, leave it, fetilize, etc??? Help! I am getting mixed responses.
FROM: iscanu8160@cs.com 07/17/03 8:58 PM Central

FROM: Anette nonna1229@aol.com 07/17/03 5:39 PM Central
I have 2 hydrangea plants, one is 2 years, the other is 1 year. They have never bloomed. Please help!
FROM: Dotty dmbenner@ties2.net 07/16/03 10:22 PM Central
There is a beautiful hydrangea at work and I would love to have one like it but cannot find. I have permission to take a cutting; how do I care for it? Or, can I get seeds and start one that way? I appreciate any help.
FROM: 07/16/03 9:41 PM Central

FROM: 07/16/03 9:41 PM Central

FROM: rachel maof2@hotmail.com 07/16/03 8:43 AM Central
do deer eat hydrangea blossoms
FROM: Sharon Frankel sharart@buckeye-express.com 07/15/03 11:00 AM Central
My hydrangea bushes bloomed last year and are not even budding this year. I live in northern Ohio.
FROM: Sherry Phillips jamlady@casco.net 07/14/03 8:19 PM Central
I have two hydrangas, one pink mophead and one blue lacecap. As in past years (both plants have been in the ground for 8 years here on the Oregon coast, zone 8b) I took them to about one foot off the ground in late fall. Last year both gave off fewer-than-usual blooms; this year not a one. I have the healthiest-looking, most beautifully shaped bushes in the neighborhood -- but no flowers! I have heard that perhaps I used a fertilizer too high in nitrogen. Could that be the problem? I prune for size and shape; left undone, they'd both be way too big for their location. Help! Many thanks, Sherry
FROM: betty pichet@ntl.sympatico.ca 07/14/03 6:38 PM Central
I have an Annabelle hydrangea that has never bloomed. It is 3 years old and is growing well. It is in partial shade, with good soil and drainage. I live in zone 2/3 and have seen them blooming here in Northern Ontario, Canada, but mine hasn't done so yet. Any tips? Thanks. Betty
FROM: james morgan james.morgan@health.gatech.edu 07/14/03 10:21 AM Central
I live in Atlanta, GA(not sure the region)and my hydrangeas(the common blue and pink ones)have gotten some type of blight that results in spots on the blossoms and leaves(and some leaves turn yellow)and the blossoms eventually turn black and even the stems turn black! What can I do about this other than trimming off all the affected stems, blossoms, ect? Thanks
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 07/13/03 12:43 PM Central
What I have found on keeping blooms after they are cut is to wait until the bloom has fully matured into its color. It seems that blooms cut too early before all the color is in place wither quickly. Blooms cut mature seem to last much longer. Another suggestion is to pinch or hammer the end of the stem. I don't do thatt, but our church flower person recommended it.
FROM: rosa rosa.goldberg@sbcglobal.net 07/13/03 12:36 PM Central
I have a friend who's blooms die quickly when she brings them into her house and puts them in a vase. Her friend gave her a bloom that she took home and put in a vase and it kept for nearly three weeks! What is the secret
FROM: Carol May carolmay@comcast.net 07/12/03 6:18 PM Central
Need to know why my Nikko Blue hydrangea, planted in a new bed in May is getting black edges on it's leaves. All of the other shrubs in the garden look healthy and happy.
FROM: pb pbhill@msn.com 07/12/03 5:46 PM Central
Hi, I am new with these beautiful flowers. My son bought a home and in the spring about 100 hydrangea plants burst into bloom. I came home and bought 5, 3 nikko and 2 glowing embers. The plant is growing and beautiful but no new blooms. Do I use bloom food. I am in zone 3, Tulsa Okla. The two embers had blooms on them and have held them
FROM: Paula Goller gollerp@nationwide.com 07/10/03 4:02 PM Central
Ihave three hydrangia bushes. Two pink flowering bushes are bloming beautifylly. They were very inexpensive plants bought at a hardware store. My very expensive nursery purchased bush is three years old and has yet to bloom. It is is partial shade several feet from a blue spruce. Could this be the problem? I would appreciate any help. Also, does anyone know how to dry the flowers? Thans for any assistance.
FROM: anita barryallen50@hotmail.com 07/09/03 5:36 PM Central
does anyone know where i can get a harmony hydrangea. would really appreciate it thanks please e-mail me
FROM: vmyslinski vmyslinski@optonline.net 07/09/03 5:30 PM Central
i have a new hydranger which was surpose to be red this is the first time it is blooming and it is coming out pink what do i need to do for it to be red
FROM: vmyslinski 07/09/03 5:22 PM Central
how do i keep my new hydranger red it is coming out pink
FROM: shelley 07/09/03 1:20 PM Central
My mophead hydrangea won't bloom. Any suggestions?
FROM: Mike Beno mkassoc1@hotmail.com 07/08/03 9:24 PM Central
I have a hydrangia tree that I planted last year. It is doing quite well but I am noticing some yellowed leaves. Most leaves are still nice and green but some of them are turning yellow with some green still remaining along the veins. After the yellow gets bad enough the edges turn dry and brown and the leaves fall off. I live in zone 5A. Any ideas.
FROM: Marcia Woodland Sweetmarcia@webtv.net 07/08/03 7:21 PM Central
I have two Hydrangea bushes in my front lawn that face southwest and get quite a bit of sun. They are so beautiful with their pin blossoms and I very often get people asking me how to get a piece of it. I have tried rooting a branch but it gets soggy and dies. Can anyone tell me how I can start one for a friend. I received mine, one as a Mothers day gif from m late husband about 20 years ago and the other as a mothers day gift from our sun about 15 years ago. They were already in pots and I planted them in the ground.
FROM: Laurie jlmathor@mctcnet.net 07/08/03 7:03 PM Central
I am looking for the hydrangea Endless Summer which blooms pind or blue on new wood in Zone 4. I live in Mankato MN and need to know the nearest place it is available, or where I can mail order it.
FROM: J. Moorefield jmoorefield@adelphia.net 07/08/03 5:48 PM Central
What makes brown spots in the leaves of a newly planted hydragenea?
FROM: Maureen mspenfor@cs.com 07/08/03 4:42 PM Central
I want to use Hydranges in a wedding bouquet. How do I keep them looking fresh?
FROM: Connie Chickinard@aol.com 07/08/03 12:55 PM Central
I see lots of good questions on here but I have never found where the answers to those questions or my own are. Seems like all these questions should have some answers somewhere.
FROM: Vicki vwagner12@msn.com 07/08/03 12:23 PM Central
I live in St. Louis Mo and the ground is mostly clay. I have no idea the species of the hydrangea and it gets full sun. The flowers will not grow on the plant. This has happened for 4 years. What can I do?
FROM: Carol cburr@optonline.net 07/08/03 7:33 AM Central
I live in NE CT and have three Nikko blue hydrangeas that are not doing well. 2nd year and and two really did not come back at all and what did is almost gone now. Very few leaves on dead wood. Now those are almost gone. One plant blooming but much smaller than last year. Very hard winter and very wet spring followed by dry spell of 15 days. Any ideas? I put in three new bushes around corner of shed and they are flourishing with tons of blooms. Thanks, Carol
FROM: Margie sloduca84@hotmail.com 07/07/03 8:35 PM Central
I have an overbearing hydrangia bush and I'd like to know how to keep it trimmed. And, can I cut off a couple stalks to replant. Should I put the stalks in water to root? The bushes are in full sun in front of the house where they've been for 3 years now.
FROM: Carolyn Perry cmperry19@nc.rr.com 07/07/03 12:04 PM Central
Why do the blooms on my hydrangea planst only partially flower? Only the outer edges become small flowers and the centers never bloom. Also, the plants are getting very large. Can I prune them back now or when and how far should I prune them?
FROM: claudia dlofing@aol.com 07/07/03 0:33 AM Central
Where do I find the answers to all of these questions?
FROM: Gwen blessed13@hotmail.com 07/06/03 11:02 PM Central
I am a first-time owner of a Hydrangea plant. Can the plant survive in a pot, or must I put it in the ground.
FROM: Martha msdarden@juno.com 07/06/03 5:39 PM Central
Linda, I don't know too much about hydrangeas, myself, but a gardening friend of mine who has beautiful hydrangeas said that they don't like much sun, some filtered sun would be better. She did say that now is the time to fertilize, and I understand that a good fertilizer is Miracid by Miracle Gro. I hope your plant does well!
FROM: Linda Baker cactus46@panax.com 07/05/03 11:51 AM Central
I do not know a lot about hydranges, but I just bought a new tree. It will get a lot of sun, and I want it to thrive. Any tips on care would be appreciated. Yours truly, cactus46
FROM: Audrey Micciche amam304@cablespeed.com 07/03/03 11:39 PM Central
In what type of weather does hydranga grow best. Can it withstand being in the sun?
FROM: James Kearney James.kearney@wanadoo.fr 07/03/03 3:01 PM Central
I don't have a question at the moment because I just found this website and would like to join the mail list to see what information other Hydrangea growers are passing amongst themselves. I have two Hydrangea bushes in the house we just moved into and plan to propagate them so I can have many more bushes and perhaps give some to my neighbors. I am American but retired in France. I live near Orleans, France (not the New Orleans in the USA) and this area is full of Hydrangea bushes of all colors including the blue flowers one gets from acidic soil. I think they are beautiful so I have become a big fan. Thanks for allowing me to join the mail list. James Kearney
FROM: linda abbigail02813@yahoo.com 07/02/03 8:02 PM Central
how do i get my hydrangeas to bloom?
FROM: Jimbo thomas1@inos.com 07/02/03 10:30 AM Central
Why do the blooms on my Hydrangea plant on partially flower? The center of the bloom never floweres. Only the outer edge becomes a small blue flower.
FROM: Willa Adcock 07/01/03 10:10 PM Central
How do I get blue hydrangea to change to purple?
FROM: Willa Adcock 07/01/03 10:10 PM Central
How do I get blue hydrangea to change to purple?
FROM: gardenfool tt2dgrly@yahoo.com 06/30/03 11:16 PM Central
I have three hydrangeas - two pink and one blue - planted next to each other. They have always done well(6-7 years), this year the pink ones are a bright pink, but the blue one is a faded pale blue/violet shade. Is there anything I can do to change the soil without affecting the pink plants? I live in zone 9 & the plants have morning sun and shade from noon on.
FROM: Mr. P 06/30/03 8:54 PM Central
Never have heard of a Penny Mac. Sorry. Linda: for Linda most answers are sent directly to the person who has the questio as long as their Email address is given.
FROM: Martha msdarden@juno.com 06/30/03 6:20 PM Central
Ilive in Alabama. I planted 3 young hydrangeas in a shaded spot. They haven't bloomed yet, and actually are looking kind of spindly (leggy). We have received quite a bit of rain. I am new at trying to raise hydrangeas, so I am eager to find out what I can do to help these plants. I don't want to hurt them by cutting them at the wrong place or time!
FROM: LINDA 06/30/03 3:37 PM Central
HOW DO YOU ACCESS THE ANSWERS TO MEMBER'S QUESTIONS
FROM: 06/29/03 11:13 PM Central
Mr. P thank you for your expeditious reply. I was wondering about a Penny Mac as I had read in a recent article in the Washington Post that they could tolerate full sun. Thank you. Patricia
FROM: Mr. P 06/29/03 10:38 PM Central
Patricia, Anneblla plants will do well, also PeeGee and Tardiva also
FROM: 06/29/03 4:21 PM Central
Are there any hydrangeas that can tolerate full sun? I have a lovely sunny spot I would like to showcase one. I live in Maryland. 15 miles south of Washington, DC. The spot is on the south side of my house and receives full sun. Patricia.
FROM: Max Kurowski maxkurowski@msn.com 06/29/03 12:41 PM Central
We are cutting the mophead along with about 6" of stem,shaving the stem then placing it into a vase with water. Any suggestions on what should be added to the water to help them last longer.
FROM: Shari L. Winer SL4cats@aol.com 06/29/03 6:24 AM Central
Please tell me how to see the answers to what people have posted. They would help me a lot. Thank you. Shari
FROM: Margaret mcombs@unionky.edu 06/28/03 10:14 PM Central
The question is probably answered somewhere on this website but I cannot find it. My mop-head hydrangea has not bloomed this year. No buds, nothing. Last year, the only blooms were near the ground but not on top of the bush. The hydrangea is about 6 years old, a beautiful healthy looking bush that was covered with blooms every year until last summer. I live in Kentucky. I give it Mir-acid and frequent water. Can someone help me?
FROM: Dorry dorvit609@comcast.net 06/28/03 7:33 PM Central
Sorry - saw the "stop and read" caption and didn't think my entry had been sent. My mistake. I am new to this message board.
FROM: Dorry dorvit609@comcast.net 06/28/03 7:30 PM Central
Can you share some information about Pink Lace Hydranageas? I live in Maryland, zone 7, and I just purchased one, having only grown the mopheads, and this is a new new variety to me. I plan to plan on the north side of our home, but it will get late afternoon sun, and I am worried this might be too much sun? What do you think? Also, is this variety fussy about soil, location, etc. Does it bloom profusely? How large will it grow and is is a slow, moderate of fast grower. Thanks so much for any insight you can share.
FROM: Dorry dorvit609@comcast.net 06/28/03 7:30 PM Central
Can you share some information about Pink Lace Hydranageas? I live in Maryland, zone 7, and I just purchased one, having only grown the mopheads, and this is a new new variety to me. I plan to plan on the north side of our home, but it will get late afternoon sun, and I am worried this might be too much sun? What do you think? Also, is this variety fussy about soil, location, etc. Does it bloom profusely? How large will it grow and is is a slow, moderate of fast grower. Thanks so much for any insight you can share.
FROM: Dorry dorvit609@comcast.net 06/28/03 7:29 PM Central
Can you share some information about Pink Lace Hydranageas? I live in Maryland, zone 7, and I just purchased one, having only grown the mopheads, and this is a new new variety to me. I plan to plan on the north side of our home, but it will get late afternoon sun, and I am worried this might be too much sun? What do you think? Also, is this variety fussy about soil, location, etc. Does it bloom profusely? How large will it grow and is is a slow, moderate of fast grower. Thanks so much for any insight you can share.
FROM: Dorry dorvit609@comcast.net 06/28/03 7:28 PM Central
Can you share some information about Pink Lace Hydranageas? I just purchased one, having only grown the mopheads, and this is a new new variety to me. I plan to plan on the north side of our home, but it will get late afternoon sun, and I am worried this might be too much sun? What do you think? Also, is this variety fussy about soil, location, etc. Does it bloom profusely? Thanks so much for any insight you can share.
FROM: Diane Mikey1083@centralva.net 06/28/03 7:20 PM Central
Hi, I need to know why the leaves of my hydrangea are turning brown and what to do about. It gets a lot of sun.
FROM: Mr. P 06/28/03 6:18 PM Central
550 ... User unknown
FROM: Mr. P 06/28/03 6:17 PM Central
550 ... User unknown
FROM: Julie signman120@cnz.com 06/28/03 4:46 PM Central
We have lived in our house 7 years. Last year was the first time the hydrangea bloomed. I think it was the first year my husband hasn't cut the canes to the ground in fall. It's late June, no bud or bloom. Should the canes be left?
FROM: Jungle Janis jdpipkin@midsouth.rr.com 06/27/03 8:23 PM Central
I live in Zone 7 and planted 3, 1 gal Annablelle's in a row last fall. They are in amended soil on the back side of the house, facing east. They have morning sun. Two are growing as expected- regular size plants, but the third is a miniture version. I don't know if I should transplant and treasure it as a miniture or wait and see if it changes into a regular size plant to match the others. I want the plants in the row to be uniform.
FROM: Jim Madory jmadory@yahoo.com 06/24/03 7:41 PM Central
What is the best method to propagate hydrangeas from cuttings. My neighbor has a beautiful purple flowering plant from which she has offered me cuttings. I have divided plants in the past with great success but I don't want to ask her to divive her plant. Thanks
FROM: wife of a redsox fan redsox@catholicfamilies.net 06/24/03 1:12 PM Central
Is there a way to see the answers to other people's questions?
FROM: wife of a redsox fan redsox@catholicfamilies.net 06/24/03 1:08 PM Central
This is the third year and I finally have flower buds, BUT NO BLOOMS! Please help. The buds have been on for at least 2 weeks, and the Hydrangea down the block is in full bloom by now! Do I need to add something to the soil to get the buds to open? I'm dying to see what color these things are going to be. They're suppose to be blue. Thanks.
FROM: Jettelynn Jettelynn@hotmail.com 06/24/03 11:01 AM Central
I have planted my new hydrangea in a spot that gets full sun. It has about 7 or 8 big bloms but gets terribly droppy by days end. I water it every morning and night. I think that I am going to have to transplant, but am wondering if the droopiness is due to being only in this spot for 3 months and the roots haven't had time to get a good hold. Anyone else have a blue mophead planted in full sun?
FROM: Nancy 06/22/03 6:19 PM Central
My plant is all green with no flower! What am I doing wrong?
FROM: CAROL WELCH hulksmom@ev1.net 06/22/03 4:45 PM Central
i AM IN TEXAS ZONE 7. I HAVE OR HAVE HAD BREAUTIFUL HYDRANGEAS UNTIL THIS YEAR AND MY LEAVES ARE TURNING YELLOW GREEN NOT THE RICH GREEN I USUALLY HAVE. MY BLOOMS ARE STILL BIG AND PRETTY BUT LEAVES NOT PRETTY GREEN. WHAT AM I LACKING ANY SUGGESTIONS.
FROM: Connie Kinard chickinard@aol.com 06/21/03 4:15 PM Central
where do you find the answers to these questions?
FROM: Connie chickinard@aol.com 06/21/03 4:14 PM Central

FROM: 06/21/03 4:14 PM Central

FROM: bob ehlenbeck rehlenbe@mail.win.org 06/21/03 10:24 AM Central
I moved into a different house and the people before have a hydrangea bush in the middle of the back yard and gets the sun almost all day. Shouldn't hydrangeas be planted in a shady area and if so is it to late to dig it up this summer and move it. When is the best time to dig it u? Pleae help I love the bushes
FROM: Andrea Chrisgill329@rogers.com 06/20/03 12:20 PM Central
Re:Using MIRACID & Aluminum Sulphate Hi; I am relatively new to gardening but have been inspired by hydrangeas and am trying to create an area in my garden devoted to Blue Hydrangeas. I currently have 2 GLory Blues and have just purchased a Blue Bird Variety. My soil is very alkaline so I have been trying to make it more acidic by apllying MIRACID every two weeks. I have also bought some aluminum sulphate but am a bit unsure if I can use this in relation to the MIRACID, should I use it instead etc. If I can use the two together should I stagger the applications, how much, for how long etc. If anyone can help me I'd really appreciate it. Also, I haven't been able to find much about growing hydrangeas in Canada and if there is anything particular I should be doing for winterizing. Thanks
FROM: Heather heatherarmstrong@netscape.net 06/20/03 0:30 AM Central
Hi, I am looking for the name of a particular Hydrangea...a "droppy", cone shaped version. Can anybody tell me the name? Thanks, Heather
FROM: kristie krisbwfrankel@hotmail.com 06/19/03 8:50 PM Central
how do i dry hydrangas?
FROM: Mr. P 06/19/03 2:09 PM Central
550 ... Host unknown (Name server: aol.cm: host not found)
FROM: Kathy Ruley kruley@firstnorfolk.org 06/19/03 12:06 PM Central
I live in Virginia Beach, VA and would like to know ways to dry hydrangeas.
FROM: Carolyn Perry cmperry19@nc.rr.com 06/19/03 10:26 AM Central
I live in zone 7 and my hydrangea gets the morning sun. The plants are 3 years old and were purchased when in bloom. The first year after I planted them in the ground they did not bloom at all. Last year I got 3 or four half blooms. This year the bush is loaded but the blooms but I only get a few flowers on a bloom and then it quits blooming. One bush is pale pink, one blue and one a deeper pink. They are all in the same bed with the same kind of soil. The base is clay but over many years I have added top and potting soil. I mulch it in the winter and add ashes fron the fireplace and eggshells. Lillies,peonies impatients, pansies, petunias,azeleas, camellia, hosta primrose and dahlias all do beautifully in the same bed. Why won't the hydrangea bloom?
FROM: Mike lazybear@tesco.net 06/19/03 9:22 AM Central
1) I would be grateful if anyone out there could give me a good description of Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Admiration'. A couple of years backI bought a plant which the nursery owner later said was "probably" Admiration, but they are not very careful about labelling their plants so I am not sure. My plant has large mid-pink mophead flowers, lightish green glossy leaves, stout upright stems and is very vigorous. Any info. would be appreciated. 2) Does anyone know for sure whether the macrophylla varieties 'Merrit's Supreme' and 'Merrit's Beauty' are actually different shrubs, or are just different names for the same shrub? This/these type(s) seem to be very popular in North America but hard to find in Europe why? 3) Does anyone know for sure whether or not the macrophylla names 'Alpengluhen' (or 'Alpenglow') and 'Glowing Embers' are actually the same shrub? I have seen a couple of references which state that they are actually the same plant, but then several Nurseries actually list both 'Alpengluhen' and 'Glowing Embers' seperately. Again, any info. here would be appreciated.
FROM: Mike lacybear@tesco.net 06/19/03 9:22 AM Central
1) I would be grateful if anyone out there could give me a good description of Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Admiration'. A couple of years backI bought a plant which the nursery owner later said was "probably" Admiration, but they are not very careful about labelling their plants so I am not sure. My plant has large mid-pink mophead flowers, lightish green glossy leaves, stout upright stems and is very vigorous. Any info. would be appreciated. 2) Does anyone know for sure whether the macrophylla varieties 'Merrit's Supreme' and 'Merrit's Beauty' are actually different shrubs, or are just different names for the same shrub? This/these type(s) seem to be very popular in North America but hard to find in Europe why? 3) Does anyone know for sure whether or not the macrophylla names 'Alpengluhen' (or 'Alpenglow') and 'Glowing Embers' are actually the same shrub? I have seen a couple of references which state that they are actually the same plant, but then several Nurseries actually list both 'Alpengluhen' and 'Glowing Embers' seperately. Again, any info. here would be appreciated.
FROM: kathy kbr123@bellsouth.net 06/18/03 7:56 PM Central
please tell me how to "root" a hydrangea from a neighbors outside plant
FROM: sharron edwardssharron@aol.cm 06/18/03 7:23 PM Central
What is the best way to tae cuttings to start new Hydrangia plants.
FROM: Calvie Maxine4858@AOL.com 06/18/03 5:06 PM Central
I have 2 large white hydrangas.How do you dry them? I live in Va. Beach, Va. Thanks, Calvie
FROM: Hannah hannah@surewest.net 06/17/03 9:22 PM Central
I just transplanted my flowering Hyrdanga and it is doing great, gave it lots of water & shade
FROM: Connie Kinard chickinard@aol.com 06/17/03 8:56 PM Central
I have 3 purple mop-heads. I was told when I bought them that they were red. I have them planted where they get morning sun (I live in Georgia). I have taken good care of them. 2 have bloomed beautifully this year but one has never had a single bloom. This is the 3rd year that this has been the case. Leaves look very healthy. Any ideas?
FROM: Bobbi Diehl loybobbi@concentric.net 06/17/03 7:32 PM Central
can my hydrangia plants be dug up and replanted in another area of the yard? Can this be done while they are blooming?
FROM: Minnie Blackburn mams3paps@aol.com 06/17/03 2:14 PM Central
What do you feed the Hydrangea? Mine is very very light pink and green. When I was a kid ours were always dark pink and some were blue. I live in Illinois in the St. Louis area.This is the second year for the bush. Thank you
FROM: Jim rjhender@comcast.net 06/16/03 8:46 PM Central
Will try one last time to get everything in...just purchased and planted a young Blue Bird, lace cap hydrangea (described in one of your links as Hydrangea macrophylla susp. serrata and adds that it does well in "chalk" soil). It is planted in good, well mulched soil in Zone 6a where it gets full sun. First, I need a definition of chalk soil. Also, I understand the pruning of hydrangeas varies with the type. Is that so? I could use some help re. watering and pruning that particular type. All suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
FROM: jim 06/16/03 7:58 PM Central
Just purchased and planted a bluebird hydrangia. Boston MA area, good mulched soil, full sun. I understand the care and proper pruning of hydrangias varies with the type. Need detailed care instructions with emphasis on watering and pruning. Appreciate your help. Thanks.
FROM: j.marie jermainec69@hotmail.com 06/16/03 7:53 PM Central
What can I add to my Hydrangea to make them change to a different color. I would like to see them either a stronger blue, or lean more to a purple.
FROM: Misti jp2clerk@candr.net 06/16/03 4:30 PM Central
I live in East Texas and I want to grow Hydrangea's. Right now I have one in a pot on my deck and the leaves are curling up on the ends and turning black. What am I doing wrong? I have been told that it is lacking water but it gets watered everyday and it get fertilized with Mira-acid (I think I spelled that right). And if I want to plant it in the yard does it need sun or shade? Help
FROM: Misti jp2clerk@candr.net 06/16/03 4:27 PM Central
I live in East Texas and I want to grow Hydrangea's. Right now I have one in a pot on my deck and the leaves are curling up on the ends and turning black. What am I doing wrong? I have been told that it is lacking water but it gets watered everyday and it get fertilized with Mira-acid (I think I spelled that right). And if I want to plant it in the yard does it need sun or shade? Help
FROM: Mr. P 06/16/03 12:38 PM Central
... while talking to mx1.comcast.com.: >>> RCPT To: <<< 550 Mailbox unavailable. 550 ... User unknown
FROM: mickey mickey_1@canada.ca 06/16/03 9:33 AM Central
I would like to know how to make a hand-tied wedding bouquet of hydrangea's. I have the basic concept but need to know how to do it correctly to maitain freshness through out the day.
FROM: Brenda Cook 06/16/03 8:28 AM Central
My Azeleas are spindley looking, how and when do I prune them to look fuller and produce more flowers?
FROM: Brenda Cook zephyr6662@yahoo.com 06/16/03 8:28 AM Central
My Azeleas are spindley looking, how and when do I prune them to look fuller and produce more flowers?
FROM: susan susan@wpa.pcc.com 06/15/03 7:55 PM Central
I have a mophead pink hydrangea bush about 4 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide. It came with the house! I have lived here for 5 years, last year the bush never was all over dark green, very pale green leaves. This year it started out dark and in the last 2 weeks now pale leaves again. It faces east, I live in Dallas Texas and it gets direct sun until 4pm. What can I do to get the leaves darker and healtier looking? I am getting pale green blooms insteadad of pink this week.
FROM: Kathy zdy288@comcast.com 06/14/03 8:30 PM Central
help, I planted hydrangea bushes 2 years ago. they have beautiful green leaves but no blooms since planting. I don't know what to do. I live near Chicago.
FROM: Mr. P 06/13/03 10:53 PM Central
Anme Strmes ? If you would give your URL address I may try to help you Mr. P
FROM: Jan manse95@netpath.net 06/13/03 3:37 PM Central
Hi Kristina, I've had holes in my hydrangea leaves and discovered the problem was slugs which come out at night! I used slug bait profusely on top of the dirt all arounds the base of my plants and it was "good by slugs and holes." Give it a try - I hope it works for you.
FROM: Anne Starnes 06/12/03 7:42 PM Central
I live in zone 7. My climbing plants are in urns beside a fountain. They have proper drainage, are watered regularly, fed properly, and have brown spots on the leaves. Why? What can I do?
FROM: Brooke holbrooksl@yahoo.com 06/12/03 3:02 PM Central
I too would like to have hydrangeas as my wedding flowers. My question is when is the height of the hydrangea blooming season in my zone? I live outside of Boston in Zone 5/6, on the cusp. This has been a very soggy spring and June. The hydrangeas in my garden are finally growing.
FROM: kim poohbear616@loveable.com 06/12/03 10:48 AM Central
sorry I just realized that I should give my e-mail address.
FROM: kim 06/12/03 10:46 AM Central
Hi I would like to have white annabelle hyrdrangeas in my 05 wedding. So could someone please tell me where I can purchase bulbs and when and how to plant them. I live in upstate NY.
FROM: Kristina Frydlewicz OBXSIXTYONE@aol.com 06/11/03 8:56 PM Central
Hi, I recently purchased and planted my first two hyrdrangeas. One is doing great all pink and pretty. The second plant is a mess. It's planted about 6 feet away in the same bed and is suddenly being eaten by something (leaves) yet, I don't see any visible insects. Also the flowers have died and yellowed. I cut most of the plant back and sprayed it with a mixture of water and dish soap, but it doesn't look promising. Any ideas on if I can save this plant? Thanks!
FROM: elizabeth mcdonaldja@earthlink.net 06/11/03 6:06 PM Central
what is difference between glory blue and niko blue - i have two glory blue hydrangeas and wish to plant a third beside them - right now in southeast massacysetts can only find niko blue - thank you for your help
FROM: Unni Bjorkheim unni@bjorkheim.net 06/11/03 10:27 AM Central
Forgot to inform you that I'm living in Kirkland, Wa.when I asked where I could find "Fuji Waterfall" and "Preziosa".It is a suburb of Seattle.
FROM: Unni Bjorkheim unni@bjorkheim.net 06/11/03 9:48 AM Central
Looking for Hydrangea serrata "Fuji Waterfall" Looking for Hydrangea mac.var.serrata "Preziosa"
FROM: arlene covington arlenearce@aol.com 06/11/03 7:59 AM Central
Does anyone have any tips for planting and growing the new Sun Goddess hydrangea macrophylla "yellowleaf"? Also, I received conflicting culture requirements. Is it light to medium shade or part to full shade?
FROM: 06/10/03 11:17 AM Central
I live in the orlando area and purchased a blue hydrangea in Ga and would like to know how to keep it alive in this area. Thanks, sandra
FROM: melissa gosnell melsplace2u@msn.com 06/09/03 10:18 PM Central
i live in south carolina and i am planting a hydrangea that was given to me as a gift. please let me know where i need to plant it in my yard, full sun?, partial sun? i have never had this kind of bush before. it is a young bush, do i need to plant it in a larger pot and keep it there until next season to plant? please help!!! thank you. melissa
FROM: tredman tredman@endicott.edu 06/09/03 4:56 PM Central
I recently purchased a dozen nikko blue hydranga plants. As an organic gardener, I am well aware of planting procedures. However, the flowers began as white, then pink. May I assume that the next stage(soon)will be blue? I also adjusted the ph by adding aluminum sulfate.I am from The Cape Ann area, just north of Boston. The plants receive mid day sun exposure. the soil is well drained. Please forward your advise!!!
FROM: Jan manse95@netpath.net 06/09/03 4:30 PM Central
I have had poor results trying to dry hydrangia blossoms. Any good suggestions would be welcomed!
FROM: Joan Coltrane jccoltrane@earthlink.net 06/09/03 3:45 PM Central
I am trying to find out how long the trailing hydrangea blooms during the summer.
FROM: J. Youmans youmanskj@aol.com 06/09/03 3:23 PM Central
I have seven varieties of hydrangea, including Ayesha, Penny Mac, and Niger. I live in zone 7, the soil is clay primarily but has been amended with perlite and spagham moss and bark as mulch. We have had a LOT of rain lately and I believe several of my plants have Cercospora. Any suggestions for helping them? Also, my Ayesha and Niger have beautiful blooms, yet some of the blooms are turning brown in places, even though they are new blooms. Could this also be a result of Cercospora? Please help. I hate to see them looking sick. My Niger is also dropping leaves. Thanks for your help.
FROM: Barbara Costello@uri.edu 06/09/03 2:01 PM Central
I've seen conflicting cultural information for the hydrangeas "Beni Gaku" and "Penny Mac." I want to put one in part shade, and one in nearly full shade (about one hour of sun in the morning.) Has anyone had luck with either of these in full shade? I'm in Zone 6, and I've already bought one of each of these plants. Thanks for any suggestions.
FROM: mona bremont mona@gci.net 06/09/03 2:18 AM Central
I have 4 large pots of Mophead hydrangeas. I live in alaska so I winter them over at a local greenhouse. The plants are working on their 4th year. This year I noticed that I had hardly any blooms. The local expert at the greenhouse told me that this is a common problem. The blooms keep getting smaller and smaller each year to non existant. The greenhouse also told me that they prune & fertilize them every year too. Do you have any advise for getting blooms on my existing plants? My green house told me that it might be best to start over with new plants. My potted plants are approx 5 - 5 1/2 feet tall, very leafy, hardly no blooms, and the existing blooms are very small. I have a hugh investment in these plants and I really don't want to start over as these plants were lovely in years 1 2 & 3. Any advise would be greatly appreciated
FROM: hannah hannah@surewest.net 06/08/03 11:34 PM Central
CAN YOU SPLIT A HYDRANGA PLANT !!!
FROM: Rebecca rholborn@msn.com 06/08/03 10:47 PM Central
Am a New Englander living in FL, and I am looking to buy hydrangas, and I live in the orlando area. Any hints? Thanks!!
FROM: Sue Harlow sharlow1@cox.net 06/08/03 9:23 AM Central
I am a new gardner. I have (looks like had is a better word) 2 beautiful oak leaf hydrangeas. I fertilized all of my plant with all purpose 12-4-8 fertilizer. My oak leafs are dying. What can I do. One has a branch that is living and the other one is turning brown. Do I cut it back and see if it will come back? I live in Wintervile, NC. The plants are located at the south end of my deck. Please help!!
FROM: Sue Harlow sharlow1@cox.net 06/08/03 9:20 AM Central
I am a new gardner. I have (looks like had is a better word) 2 beautiful oak leaf hydrangeas. I fertilized all of my plant with all purpose 12-4-8 fertilizer. My oak leafs are dying. What can I do. One has a branch that is living and the other one is turning brown. Do I cut it back and see if it will come back? I live in Wintervile, NC. The plants are located at the south end of my deck. Please help!!
FROM: Jacqueline jacquie_02056@yahoo.com 06/07/03 10:08 PM Central
I live in zone 7 and recently purchased my home. It has a hydrangea bush in the front yard which gets quite a bit of sun daily. This is our first season here, so I don't know what color it will be. We live on Cape Cod, the soil is sandy and drains well. I gave it some meracid(sp?) last week and hope it will help it to grow well and produce blue flowers. Is there anything else I should be doing to help this plant. Looks healthy. I want to learn all about these gorgeous plants. Thank you.
FROM: Alan Perry alper77@aol.com 06/07/03 8:28 AM Central
It's early June in a cool Memphis. I want to move my Hydrangea. Can I without losing it?
FROM: Christina aldunnaway@msn.com 06/07/03 0:40 AM Central
My hydranges are turning pink after I planted them in the back yard. What kind of acid or what kind I add to the soil to have the plant turn back to blue. Thank you Christina
FROM: Joe Bill mharrison9@austin.rr.com 06/06/03 5:12 PM Central
i have started a garden of hydrangia and i cant find any info in the type i have or pics of varieties care is sparce and subjective so far and i would like a start to finish if possible of the installation and naitenance and nutrition nesisary to keep my plant/bushes happy
FROM: 06/06/03 4:04 PM Central

FROM: Leah lcompher@bellsouth.net 06/06/03 8:13 AM Central
I live in Birmingham Alabama and recently moved two of my Oak Leaf Hydrangea to a much sunnier place. I asked around and no one knows anything. I have read that they can survive in the sun. It has only been 5 days and by the end of the day they are drooping. I am killing them? HELP???
FROM: Jenny Ranney brandi71588@webtv.net 06/05/03 10:04 PM Central
i am looking for any family member of mine i am on my sister chids e mail. family members name is Eugene Everett Ranney age about53 54 my moms name is Alice Schumaker married name at time of my birth might of been walters my dad lives in New York Mybirth certfticate Albany N.Y.12237
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 06/05/03 6:16 PM Central
Here's my guess on your PG problem. I suspect the plant has been forced to grow at a wholesale nursery to make it look good. There is probably much to much foilage to be supported by the root system. Blank may mean overwatering but I suggest you cut back the foiliage, a couple of stems at a time, or try trimming all of it from the ends by 2-3 inches, kind of your choice. If it doesn't work try some more. When I got my PG a couple of years ago, I immediately took out 25-35% of the branches and used the cuttings to pot for new plants. The plant survived and is doing very well - although I will sam there have been no blooms yet, although I am patient with PG's.
FROM: Mindi jgiftos@bellsouth.net 06/05/03 4:09 PM Central
I just purchased a Pee Gee Hydrangea and it is doing terribly! I have given it lots of water, but its leaves are wilting and turning black around the edges. Nursery says I overwater, then underwater....but nothing seems to be helping. Any advice before I kill this beautiful plant? I live in Jacksonville, FL.
FROM: Mr. P 06/05/03 1:05 PM Central
diannemcginty@bellsouth.com Is not a good address.
FROM: ellen s. ellen7003@yahoo.com 06/04/03 5:21 PM Central
the leaves on my hydrangea are turning yellow and there is black spots. i planted it on mothers day. it is nikko blue and no blooms yet.
FROM: Myrna myrnapostal@msn.com 06/04/03 4:30 PM Central
Niko Blue, I bought from nursery this is third summer.zone 3a. It bloomed the first year profusely, second year okay but this year it looks dead! How can I tell if it is dead or if there is a chance there is life in the roots somewhere.
FROM: Martha Courtney Marthajean@kih.net 06/03/03 9:53 PM Central

FROM: Martha Courtney Marthajean@kih.net 06/03/03 9:53 PM Central
I need to know what hydrangaes need to make them blume blue Thanks!
FROM: Dianne McGinty diannemcginty@bellsouth.com 06/03/03 4:29 PM Central
My hydrangeas are beautiful, but not of flowers on my plants. I planted them about 2 yrs. ago. I live in zone 8 ,They get dapple sun.They are the pink and blue colors.
FROM: Cheryl Braley cherylbraley@protectionone.com 06/03/03 3:00 PM Central
How and when should I prune my Oakleaf Hydranga? It is a very large bush and the blooms are now gone so I would like to trim it up. I live in Northwest Florida (Pensacola, FL) Thanks for your help!
FROM: Michelle Bruvold mollyweb@excite.com 06/02/03 11:13 AM Central
Hi, I live in Zone 5a (Milwaukee) My husband bought me a potted Hydrangea last month. I just love it. I have to water it 2 times a day. They pot is about 10 inches. The plant has 5 stalks that have purple flowers on top. Can I replant this in a bigger pot? Will this kill it? How long can it survive in a pot? Any insight would be great!
FROM: Michelle Bruvold mollyweb@excite.com 06/02/03 11:07 AM Central
Hi, I live in Zone 5a (Milwaukee) My husband bought me a potted Hydrangea last month. I just love it. I have to water it 2 times a day. They pot is about 10 inches. The plant has 5 stalks that have purple flowers on top. Can I replant this in a bigger pot? Will this kill it? How long can it survive in a pot? Any insight would be great!
FROM: Susan MacDowell macdowet@bellsouth.net 06/01/03 6:27 PM Central
just bought several hydr. variety is 'Ellen'...anyone have any info on this one???
FROM: Nancy McGuire mcguire@thot.net 06/01/03 9:59 AM Central
Hello - I am a relatively new gardener, and have become fascinated with Hydrangea. My Zone is 3 to 4, and would like to know which species are happy here. I have purchased "Annabelle", but the accompanying info card does not specify the zone, and would like to know if it will survive in northern Ontario. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Nancy
FROM: Penny reesezone@juno.com 05/31/03 6:49 PM Central
my newly planted oakleaf hydrangea has black spots on the leaves. is this the same black spot that occurs on roses? Treatable with a fungicide? Thanks!
FROM: Lynne Young young1999@webtv.net 05/31/03 1:42 PM Central
I have a hydranga that is a deep purple. I live on Miss. gulf coast and all I've ever seen ar pink, whitish and various shades of blue. Someone told me to put a rusty nail in the soil. Is there any basis for this? Thankks ish and various shades of blue.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/31/03 1:17 PM Central
In Washington, full sun is fine, less is OK too.
FROM: Carol Wood jrwood@attcanada.ca 05/31/03 12:08 PM Central
Just bought a Hydrangea Plant. Can you advise how to plant it? Does it need a lot of water, sun, etc.? Thanks very much to anyone who can give us the basics on this Plant.
FROM: Michele O'Neill moneill1@coldwellbanker.com 05/31/03 10:26 AM Central
I live in zone 7-8 and recently planted six Nikko-Blue Hydrangeas. All of them are doing the same thing. In the morning they all have firm, perky leaves; but by the afternoon the leaves are all limp. They are in the shade and the temps right now are in the low to mid 80's. I expected them to do this in our "dog days of summer" but not now. Any ideas?
FROM: Susan MacDowell macdowet@bellsouth.net 05/31/03 8:17 AM Central
I have heard that htere will be a tour of Hydrangeas in the Atlanta area in June. Do you have any info on this, dates, times...thanks
FROM: Janet Aho ahorm_57@webtv.net 05/30/03 11:30 PM Central
Do hydranges flourish best in shady areas or how much sun can they stand? I live in Washington State
FROM: Lana M. Smothers lanasmothers1@aol.com 05/30/03 10:14 PM Central
I hope that this is not a stupid question. Can you start a hydrangea from seeds?
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/30/03 7:28 PM Central
Bright red - no. Slightly pink on from certain predominately blues varieties such as Nikko Blue - yes. For a deep red try H. Leuchtfleurer - be patient, mine our finally blooming in the third year.
FROM: Linda 05/30/03 5:13 PM Central
I have a new climbing hydrangea. It's leaves are starting to turn brown about half-way and they're wilting. What should I do??
FROM: Ann aduong24@netscape.net 05/30/03 2:28 PM Central
Question: Would it be possible to obtain bright red blooms from a blue fully-mature hydrangea plant? I live in zone 6, the plant is very, very mature; spreaded out about 10 feet long. Thank you.
FROM: Keiko 05/30/03 9:43 AM Central
I just purchased some lavender hydrangea called "glory blue". If I want to change the color from lavender to deep purple/violet, what do I need to give them. Would that color change considered going to pink or blue, kind of confused at this moment. Thank you.
FROM: D Parker mrsnurse@sbcglobal.net 05/29/03 3:06 PM Central
I planted 5 hudrangaes last spring. Only two are now blooming. The blooms on one of them looks like it wants to pop out and just cannot. The other three have no blooms at all. All 5 are different colors. I do not know the name, they were purchased in the Wal Mart garden shop. Is there something I should be doing? I put soil acidifier on them three weeks ago and I put super bloom on them 1 week ago?
FROM: Terry t_bolton2001@yahoo.com 05/28/03 11:34 PM Central
I have Hydrangea's that are pink in color. I have been told that they will turn blue by changing the soil. Is this true? If so, what do I need to add to the soil to turn them to the deep blue color?
FROM: Nancy Nanwor056@aol.com 05/28/03 10:39 PM Central
I have had my hydrangea for 3 years and it has only bloomed the first year i had it. can you tell me why it will not bloom .
FROM: Catherine/Cape Cod playground1@attbi.com 05/28/03 6:21 PM Central
I have a beautiful, healthy looking climbing Hydrangea but it has never flowered, what can I do? I'm sorry, I have no idea what the species and cultivar are. Sun exposure is half the day, and soil conditions have excellent drainage. It's about 6 feet tall and on a trellis. It looks like I'm in Zone 6.
FROM: Catherine/Cape Cod playground1@attbi.com 05/28/03 6:09 PM Central
I have a beautiful, healthy looking climbing Hydrangea but it has never flowered, what can I do?
FROM: Kathy 05/27/03 9:52 PM Central
Last year I bought an hydrangea s. identified as "shirotae". It is a Japanese variety with white small flowers. This year I haven't seen any reference to this hydrangea by any hydrangea grower on the web. Has the name been changed this year to something else? Would anyone familiar with this variety advise on what size it will grow to? Thanks! In Atlanta
FROM: Jennifer Sommer js0827@ao.com 05/27/03 8:30 PM Central
I forgot to tell you where I live....Orlando, FL...so in case someone can answer my questions. Thanks!
FROM: 05/27/03 8:29 PM Central

FROM: Faye Sparkman fspark@bellsouth.net 05/27/03 6:14 PM Central
I have two Hydrangea bushes and would like to know how to root them. Thank You. I think they are the mopheads. They are not oak leaf.
FROM: diane dianet@earthlink.net 05/27/03 12:46 PM Central
I have several hydrangias, only one of them has "leaf mold". What is the best procedure to fix this problem? I live in Southern California near the ocean.
FROM: Shirley dawkinst@msn.com 05/27/03 6:46 AM Central
Does anyone have suggestions on how to root oakleaf hydrangeas? I have rooted many of the mopheads, but unable to root the oakleaf hydrangeas.
FROM: Sharron gramonbay@webtv.net 05/27/03 0:35 AM Central
I planted a hydrangea end of last summer.It's doing great and has several beautiful blue flowers on it. It gets morning sun and is doing great.However,I am toying with the idea to replant it in a pot for my deck since I live upstairs and don't really get to enjoy it much.I get a.m. sun on one deck and p.m. sun on the other. I don't wont to put this plant in shock,and was wondering when would be the best time,if ever,I should do this.I'm in Mobile,Ala.
FROM: Jennifer Sommer js0827@aol.com 05/26/03 7:28 PM Central
What is the best way to creat a hydrangea bush? I've heard you can cut new growth from a hydrangea bush and put it in a pot with fertilizer and in about a year you can transplant it to the ground. What is the best way to care for a newly potted hydranga? Sun? Shade? Lots of water, no water?
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/26/03 5:41 PM Central
1. Tallahassee. Oak Leaf - High Sun to Full Sun.
2. London. Big Pots 3 gal or more unless you have a miniature variety such as pia.
FROM: Janet McLaughlin 05/26/03 3:02 PM Central
I live in London and have a young Hydrangea I have to move it out of the garden and into a pot as the garden is to be slabbed will it die and have you any tips to prevent this
FROM: Ali sarajharma@cs.com 05/26/03 2:16 PM Central
OOPS! I live in Tallahassee, FL. need info about oakleaf hydrangeas.
FROM: Ali sarajharma@cs.com 05/26/03 2:13 PM Central
Help!I was given an oakleaf hydrangea and have no info on the best place to plant it--full sun--partial shade or what?
FROM: Clayton Keeler clayton4625@yahoo.com 05/26/03 11:43 AM Central
How to grow them.How to take care of them.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/26/03 11:02 AM Central
Try Hydrangeas Plus for the climbers. http://www.hydrangeasplus.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/petiolaris_1.html?E+scstore
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 05/26/03 8:17 AM Central
Climbing hydrangeas are readilly available almost everywhere. All of the mail order houses and all of the landscape nurseries offer them. Pete Smith has a good list of sources. To the gardener with the annabells as an outboundry hedge just use your shovel and dig out the runners before the get too big. We plant these immedeatly in containers and give them to friends the next year. Kathy and Tom Shaw
FROM: JoAnn Smith jcsmith986@aol.com 05/25/03 7:45 PM Central
I would like to know where I can purchase climbling hydranges??
FROM: Sonia Bowen bowen6072@rogers.com 05/25/03 9:54 AM Central
I bought a hydrangea this spring, the flowers were already starting to dry. I was told to cut off the flowers, leaving a bit of stem and planting that part, and it will root on its own for next spring. I don't think this information is correct. I did buy the plant the year before and plant it in the garden but it did not come back the following year. Please inform me the best way growing this beautiful plant.
FROM: Mike Orlyk bmwmcrider@vtmarbles.com 05/25/03 8:53 AM Central
I have a row of Annabelle planted along one of property boundaries as a privcy screen. They are stating their third of growth and starting to get quite large in both the lateral and upward direction. I wish to restrain their lateral growth and am looking for some guidance on pruning.
FROM: Ed Northcutt een@nettally.com 05/24/03 4:02 PM Central
We have some beautiful hydrangea bushes and would like to root cuttings for friends. When is tie best time of year to root? I live in North Florida.
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 05/24/03 9:55 AM Central
To Byron Engler, we have recently allowed our lawn to be sprayed with 24D. Within days we noticed damage to almost everything in our yard. New foliage was curling and deformed even on trees, new growth on our hydrangeas were curled and deformed. Some of the plants are coming out of it while most need drastic prunning. We will never use 24D again and definately leave it to the farmers for their use. Kathy anf Tom Shaw
FROM: Carol Sterpe mcsterpe@webtv.net 05/24/03 0:11 AM Central
since i put my hydrangeas in the ground the leaves have turned dark on the ends and have curled up what is wrong these are my first hydrangea i hve ever had i need to learn more abot them please help me sincerely carol
FROM: carol sterpe mcsterpe@webtn.net 05/23/03 11:51 PM Central
will ihurt my hydrangea bush if i cut the wilted flowers off if not where do itake them off the whole stem or just the flowers
FROM: Karen kfjdmj@bellsouth.net 05/23/03 2:17 PM Central
Please advise how to keep hydrangea's from wilting once they are cut and brought into the house.
FROM: Byron R. Engler bengler@charter.net 05/22/03 10:19 PM Central
My Hydrangea Bush is White, use to have nice big snowballs for blooms. Neighbor across the street three years ago had a lawn company spray for weeds. My Bush has died back and once was 7 feet tall and full of blooms. This year it is only 4.5 feet tall and shrivling up. Small blooms and all. What can I do. Is there a lack of something in the soil. Byron
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/22/03 9:17 PM Central
At the end of the blooming cycle, the blooms will begin to turn green, then brown/white. Since you apparently purchased the plant recently, the plant may have been forced in a greenhouse and ahead of the normal cycle for this year.
FROM: Geri Hyman gerihy@ulink.net 05/22/03 9:12 PM Central
When I purchased my hydrangas they were a beautiful blue, now they are turning green. I water them and have given then fertilizing. Live in zone 95747, Roseville California They are in front of my door in the front of my home, they get the sun in the morning. Please help, I love them....
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 05/22/03 4:38 PM Central
To the gardener who just planted the All Summer Beauty, this might be the best of the Macrophylla for zone 5. We are also in zone 5 and are in a very rural section of South St. Charles County just west of St. Louis County. We have strong winds and very little shade. All summer beauty is reported to bloom on new growth. We have had good luck with this plant. Each year we raise from 18 to 36 of these and give these to begginer gardeners. This will eventually become a blue flowered plant but will most likely be pink the first two years. As for the lady who just planted the annabelle, this is a winner, especially in our neighborhood and zone. We have a contest every year with a friend of ours over who can grow the biggest flowers. Probably the most popular Hydrangeas in the greater St.Louis area are, Annabelle, Oak Leaf. Panniculatas. .Unique,Pink Diamond.Grandeflora,and now the new limelight. Your annabelle will be a good quick grower. Be sure to give this plenty of growing room for its roots. This plant grows by runners so the bigger the diameter of the hole you plant it in the bigger the diameter of the plant. We backfill with a mixture of good topsoil and compost and dont let it dry out the first two years. We have seen front yards of farms in our area where there were entire beds of annabelles that had all grown together almost appearing as one plant. We prune ours back to about ten inches of the ground in late February or early March. In the farm yards they apparantly do not prune them back and the flowers are smaller and in greater numbers and do not flop after heavy rains. We try not to prune our All Summer Beauties until mid May and then only where there are no leaves and live buds. Unfortunately som new help didn't follow our program this year and we'll see how well they really bloom on new growth, good luck Kathy and Tom Shaw
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/21/03 10:41 PM Central
Yes. Some of the best H. mopheads grow on Cape Cod.
FROM: diane gallison rid20542@ride.net 05/21/03 10:10 PM Central
Would a hydrangea grow near a salt water bay? I live in Rhode Island, and the plant would get sun exposure all day long.
FROM: Margo margo@wi.rr.com 05/21/03 9:58 PM Central
We just purchased 3 Hydrangea, "All Summer Beauty" (H.macro). We're in zone 5. Any suggestions? What can I expect this first year?
FROM: Ann Marie Garvin annmariegarvin@yahoo.com 05/21/03 9:56 PM Central
Two weeks ago, I bought 3 Hydrangeas, two Merritt's Beauty, one White Big Leaf. They are NOT happy, and on pof the Merritt's is dying. I live in San Francisco, but it has been unusually hot the past week, and they are getting direct sun. I put umbrellas over them, and a drop cloth over that. (?) I've done all the soil, mulch, etc., everything but take them to bed with me HELP!!
FROM: dale feiges dale@usinternet.com 05/21/03 8:00 PM Central
I recently returned from a trip to Italy where i saw many hydrahgea growing in containers.I live in minneapolis mn and the only plants I have been able to find are out door types that grow to 4 ft .does anyone know where to buy the dwarf types that only grow to 18 inches. thanks
FROM: Ms. Chen chuanminc@yahoo.com 05/21/03 4:21 PM Central
Hi, I have a question about one of my Hydrangea. I had planted it four years ago. The first year it gave pinkish flowers. I pruned all the brown stems when winter came . After that the plant just grew leaves but not blooming. I used Mirocal grow once a year. I lived in southern Michigan.Any suggestion?
FROM: Ann Marie Garvin annmariegarvin@yahoo.com 05/20/03 9:28 PM Central
My three hydrangeas are dying!! I live in San Francisco, CA, followed all planting directions. It has been very hot for the last week, the leaves are dry, the ground wet, and I need help!!
FROM: Teresa A. Cook teresacook@charter.net 05/20/03 8:10 PM Central
I live in Covington, LA. Covington is about 40 miles north of New Orleans. I would love to purchase several varieties of hydrangas on the internet. Are there sites that do this?
FROM: Linda purpleladie56@aol.com 05/20/03 4:00 PM Central
I just got my first hydrangea (Annabelle) this weekend.I don't know any more about this plant,this is all it said on the tag. I live in zone 6, (western Colorado). We have clay for our soil, and I was wondering what type of fertilizer we should use, and is there anything special I should do to care for it? Any advise would be wonderful. Thank you for your help.
FROM: Cheryl thepeltons@hotmail.com 05/19/03 8:32 PM Central
I just recieved my first potted pink hydrangea and i know nothing about them. I would like to learn how to care for it so it doesn't die. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada but unsure of the zone. Will my plant survive outside?
FROM: Clare Ryder clareryder1@hotmail.com 05/19/03 6:04 PM Central

FROM: Clare Ryder clareryder1@hotmail.com 05/19/03 6:03 PM Central
I am thinking of planting hydrangas for export (from New Zealand)and would appreciate advice on varieties and conditions for growing etc and how to go about exporting - in fact anything at all would help!
FROM: gail mcdonald bobgail8@webtv.net 05/18/03 6:20 PM Central
how to plant and grow hydrangas in florida
FROM: CLAUDIA DLOFING@AOL.COM 05/18/03 4:42 PM Central
MY LITTLE 4 INCH POT HYDRANGEAS HAVE PUT ON 6--8 INCHES--SHOULD I PINCH THE LONG SHOOTS TO MAKE THEM MORE BUSHY??
FROM: jude jpuccismom@aol.com 05/18/03 4:21 PM Central
how can i keep my hydranges white
FROM: Howard Emerson hemerson@bellatlantic.net 05/17/03 1:49 AM Central
i would like to know more about the growing cycle & care of the VARIGATED WILLOW TREE. I LIVE IN ZONE 5.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/16/03 9:05 PM Central
I wish I knew the answer on getting climbers to bloom. Mine is in its third year with no evidence of blooming this years. One of the other members of the Alabama Hydrangea Society told me last week it was the sixth year, and then then blooms came profusely year after year.
FROM: Becky Thelen beckythelen@hotmail.com 05/16/03 6:54 PM Central
How do you get a climbing hydrangea to bloom? We are in the atlanta area and the vine is climbing a pine tree on the south side of the house in filtered shade. It hasbeen in the ground for 4 years.
FROM: Ruth Ann eastwood@web-access.net 05/15/03 5:24 PM Central
I live in Zone 8a...and I was wondering if anyone could give me some information on how and where to put a hydrangea bush...The weather here is very hot and dry(I live in Central Texas) I had tried to plant one a few years back and unfortunately, it died on me...any advice would be greatly appreciated..
FROM: Ruth Ann 05/15/03 5:16 PM Central
I live in Zone 8a(Central Texas) I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on where and what type of soil to plant a hydrangea bush...I had planted one a few years back and unfortunately, it died on me...any advice would be greatly appreciated...The weather here is very hot and dry.
FROM: Eva Stuart 05/15/03 9:43 AM Central
Need to know how to root Hydrangas
FROM: Charlie Parish Emuoil1@aol.com 05/15/03 8:26 AM Central
I have 2 Blue Hydrangeas that are probably 10 yrs that used to bloom great, but for the last 2 yrs no blooms. I have rooted alot of cuttings off the same plants with great blooms. The two older plants are beautiful in dark green color I have fertilized them good and lately I added alot of Aluminum Sulfate. It made them turn dark green but no sign of blooms,and all the ones I rooted do bloom pink.And as far as pruning I cut them back to the ground at first frost every year, is this wrong? THANKS
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 05/14/03 9:22 PM Central
Want to read all about Hydrangeas- http://www.botany.com/hydrangea.html and www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com and www.hydrangeasplus.com also pictures/write ups, changing flower color and a lot more. This will keep you busy for awile, you little raskels. Randy
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 05/14/03 9:21 PM Central
Want to read all about Hydrangeas- http://www.botany.com/hydrangea.html and www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com and www.hydrangeasplus.com also pictures/write ups, changing flower color and a lot more. This will keep you busy for awile, you little raskels. Randy
FROM: Marilyn Fox gramfox@sbcglobal.net 05/14/03 6:28 PM Central
I got two beautiful pink hydrangea plants for Mother's day. put them on sun porch where all other plants love it, one day one night and one plant started to wilt, plenty moist, so I moved them to south window in living room that wilted one died bad and now the other one is speaking of leaving also. I live in Michigan. are these house plants only? If not how do I plant them outside? Help I'm new at this at least to hydrangeas.
FROM: Becky 05/14/03 2:24 PM Central
I am new to the hydrangea world. I had a beautiful (small) hydrangea that had just started to bud mid-April. I was letting the plant have direct sunlight (8 - 10 hours). Recently the plant stopped growing and the leaves started turning brown. Does anyone know what could cause this? I live in Central Texas and I am not sure of the exact type but it was the common purple and pink variety. Thanks
FROM: Beth obsidian@google.com 05/13/03 8:18 PM Central
I'm sorry...I used the wrong address!! My address should be obsidian@auroral.com (not @google.com) Sorry for the error. Beth
FROM: Beth obsidian@google.com 05/13/03 8:16 PM Central
Hello, Will this plant grow in South East Michigan? If it can, what soil is advised? I understand the it requires full sun. Thanks for any assistance, Beth Newman
FROM: Maggie Stanford magway@bellsouth.net 05/13/03 7:31 PM Central
I live in mid Tennessee, and have one oak leaf hydranga. I'd like to try my hand at propagating to get more. I'd appreciate any info.
FROM: rachel rachel@frenchcreeksw.com 05/13/03 3:05 PM Central
Hi, I really just love hydrangaes and would like to plant them in my windowboxes this summer. of course i plan to remove them at the end of the summer. i live in philadelphia, pa(i don't know what zone that is) and was wondering if anybody had a suggestion as to what type of hydrangea i could plant or if they thought the blue nikko would be a nice choice. thanks so much!
FROM: Nanette ntown@feldesmantucker.com 05/13/03 2:49 PM Central
Hi- I have never planted anything but I despratly want hydrangeas in my front yard and unfortunatly would like results this season. (I live in Northern Virginia) Can I do that? Can I purchase larger plants and put them into my garden? Help? Thanks!
FROM: Laura nelsons@spitfire.net 05/13/03 9:37 AM Central
I received my first Hydrangea for mothers day.. Can I plant it in a shady spot I would say i hr of direst sunlight at most.. and to get blue flowers I only have to add acid? Thank You
FROM: 05/11/03 11:22 AM Central

FROM: Walter Crosby staffnon@yahoo.com 05/11/03 0:36 AM Central
I was at a wal-mart in fulton Mississippi, and There hydrangeas look kinda bad, I was saw some of the workers putting ice on them, they said this perked them back up? I thought ebson salt and water? not ice (from the soda fountain crushed) Can anyone tell me the danger of ice (from soda fountain) and explain out to perk them back up
FROM: Tammy tammymc@mhtc.net 05/10/03 8:19 PM Central
I have purchased two hydrangea (multi-colored). I live in Wisconsin. Can you please tell me when or if I should prune them? This is the third year I've had them, we did prune them and they came up again this year. But they don't seem to be getting much bigger and have NEVER bloomed.
FROM: Betsy BetsyB2207@yahoo.com 05/09/03 9:06 PM Central
I planted a climbing hydrangea a few years ago and it has never bloomed. It is growing well but just doesn't bloom. I live in the Northeast. It gets some sun part of the day because it is planted on the east side of the house. Could anyone give me a clue as to why it doesn't bloom??
FROM: c salina csalina1@rochesrer.rr.com 05/09/03 4:15 PM Central
I want to plant some Hydrangeas, but I have been told that the deer eat the blossoms. I live where there are quite a few deer. Any truth to the matter?
FROM: Yvonne yhigby@yahoo.com 05/09/03 12:25 PM Central
I have just started and i have 4 hydrangea's that i trying to grow, one of them is doing really well except the tips of the leaves are red and there are some holes in some of the leaves i dont see any bugs but i am not sure what kind of bug spray i can use on my hydrangea or if i need to. Please help me out I really love my hydrangea. Thank you
FROM: Dorinda Bain dorindabain2@yahoo.com 05/07/03 9:36 PM Central
I have a question concerning red hydrangia's. I live in Milton, Fl, the northwest part of Florida. I have great success with them, but I am not able to keep the color of the red hydrangia red as I would like. I think you would call the hydrangia a mophead? Does anyone have a solution! Thank you, Dorinda Bain
FROM: Vikki adeah1@yahoo.ca 05/07/03 7:30 PM Central
I have an incredible climbing hydrangea that I planted last year. It started out about 2 feet high and this spring it is now 4 and a half feet and spreading out also. I would like to take some cuttings and was wondering what the best time would be and if they should go straight into dirt or into water. There is a particularly large bottom one that I will need to prune and it has a root system along part of the branch. I would like to take this branch and start a new plant. The branch is about 22 inches long.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 05/06/03 3:23 PM Central
If you cut your wood from last year on H. Macrophylla, the most common varieties of H., it should grow new green wood this year with leaves, but few if any buds. Be patient, if the plant was healthy, it should bloom next year.
FROM: sandy sandyalan6@comcast.com 05/06/03 1:41 PM Central
hi, i bought a hydrangea last year and just found out by reading this that i was not supposed to cut the brown limbs off but already have. What can I do!
FROM: Kerry Sime Grayhawk54@aol.com 05/06/03 9:25 AM Central
Would like to receive help or tips on growing Hydrangeas indoors. I live in Arizona so it it much to hot for them outdoors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
FROM: Diane Albano dbfreck@yahoo.com 05/05/03 2:59 PM Central
Someone just bought the most beautiful health pink mophead I think hydgranga how do I not kill it. When to fertilize it. and I also want to know about color change how offen and what time of the year. and I also want to know how to test the soil for ph balance. I also added from my fireplace some ashes to the soil in the pink plant is that ok. when is the best time to fertilize and how to re-root these plants
FROM: ryan goldner ryangoldner@aol.com 05/05/03 10:40 AM Central
Good Morning! I just bought my first house in the country, and bought alot of hydrangeas to plan outside, can someone tell me what i need to put in the soil ke them really blue? And is there a website to purchase this "blue enhancer" from? Any help would be great!
FROM: ryan goldner ryangoldner@aol.com 05/05/03 10:39 AM Central
Good Morning! I just bought my first house in the country, and bought alot of hydrangeas to plan outside, can someone tell me what i need to put in the soil ke them really blue? And is there a website to purchase this "blue enhancer" from? Any help would be great!
FROM: Judy Roudybush 05/04/03 8:36 PM Central
What would cause a Climbing Hydrangeas leaves to get brown and dry. It is a young plant but was nice last year and started out nice this year. Could it have been nipped by frost?
FROM: latebloomer pud5482544@aol.com 05/04/03 7:30 PM Central
Where do you find the answers to all the questions?
FROM: Joan joanklinkner@new.rr.com 05/04/03 1:34 PM Central
We moved into a house that has a hydrangea petiolaris climbing up the wood siding. My husband wants to cut it down, afraid it will damage the house. Will it damage the wood over time, or is it safe to keep it there?
FROM: Lynne Seeger wseeger@bellsouth.net 05/03/03 5:32 PM Central
My hydrangea leaves are turning a pale yellow with dark spots on the edges. We've had a wet spring in GA. Should I spray and with what?
FROM: April Stephens Hurd aprilis1966@yahoo.com 05/03/03 4:48 PM Central
Hi , I live in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Only about 5 miles from the beach. I think that is zone 8. I purchased some Nikko blue Hydrangeas backin March and they are now thriving. They seem to grow several inches each day. However, the bud that is coming up looks like the bloom is going to be white. The nursery that I bought them from said they were Nikko blue. Does the color change after the blooms come? I didn't add aluminum sulphate because I thought they would be blue without this. Thanks for your help. I'm very new at all of this.
FROM: Linda limur99@hotmail.com 05/03/03 1:44 PM Central
Hello! I have 2 questions today: 1) My sister received a Beautiful Pink Hydrangea (loaded with many blooms!) a few weeks ago. The questions now is how does she go about transplanting the plant to her outdoor garden? I know that the plant is a "florist" plant and it's sole mission in life was to be an indoor plant, but it's blooms are so great we would like to try to enjoy this plant for many years to come! The only thing I can find on the web says to trim the blooms off and to harden-off the plant to the outdoors. Is it really as simple as that? 2) I know the right stage to cut white hydrangea's to dry them, but what colour does a pink and/or blue plant change to tell you it's time to cut them to dry? Thank-you for any help you can provide. Linda
FROM: Melissa Woods woodsphysics@yahoo.com 05/03/03 11:24 AM Central
I am having trouble finding information on fungus. My hydrangea looks like it has rust - powdery white on the tops of the leaves and red/brown spots underneath. Why does it seem like I'm the only one. Is it rust? What can I do to fix it?
FROM: MaryAnn mabernathy@insightbb.com 05/03/03 9:33 AM Central
Can Iplant a hydrangea mathilda gutgens in the house?
FROM: Camilla Robinson milla1951@msn.com 05/02/03 7:28 PM Central
How much do hydrangeas grow a year?
FROM: Sue Greupner sue.greupner@target.com 05/02/03 4:04 PM Central
I have a very mature climbing hydrangea and I need to transplant it because of construction. I live in Minnesota
FROM: Crowley Nursery &Gardens katcando@prodigy.net 05/02/03 7:30 AM Central
I have a nursery in Sarasota FL and am looking for a source for hydrange liners or gallons....especially the varigated variety and any that would grow in our area...Thanks for your help....Kathy
FROM: Joe Mauk jsmauk@cbs.com 05/01/03 9:04 PM Central
I'm looking for a Nursery in Central or Southern California that handles Oakleaf Hydrangeas. Any suggestions. Thanks, Joe
FROM: 05/01/03 1:44 PM Central

FROM: Lori Rogers lorirogers60@hotmail.com 05/01/03 1:41 PM Central
I moved into a house with a Hydrangea bush. We moved in during the winter, so I expected it to bloom in the summer. Last summer it only had two blooms on it and it is showing no spring growth. It just looks like a bunch of sticks sticking up from the ground. I don't have a green thumb, but if I'm suppose to be doing something to this beautiful flower, please let me know what I need to be doing. I live in Southwest Missouri.
FROM: Belinda Bulloch bulloch4@seark.net 04/30/03 11:15 PM Central
I live in Arkansas and I need to know what it takes to make a Hydrangea deep purple and keep it that way or is it a paticular kind of Hydrangea
FROM: Sheila Goza goza@arbuckleonline.com 04/30/03 5:38 PM Central
Make sure Hydrangeas are shaded during that hot southern mid-day and afternoon southern sun. Morning sun is best.
FROM: Delmar Welker dewelker@hotmail.com 04/30/03 3:11 PM Central
I bought three Glowing Ember Hydrangea at wal mart, I have two questions #1 the information on the instruction tag states that flowers will remain pink even with soil pH change. #2 Plant in acidic soil. My understanding of what I read on this web site is this information is for Blue Hydrangea not pink or red. does any one have any proven experience with this variety of Hydrangea? This is my first at growing Hydrangea bushes so I need information Thank You.
FROM: Anne Jones ajones@stpegs.com 04/30/03 2:10 PM Central
Any reason why there are very few answers to all of the questions sent in? I live in Zone 9 and bought a mop-head hydrangea. I planted it on the west side of my house. It is loaded with blooms. Will it survive our very very hot humid summers? It gets the afternoon sun and wilts if I don't water it almost every day and it's only spring right now!
FROM: Terra Piacenta tpiacenta@trinityhartford.org 04/30/03 1:23 PM Central

FROM: Terra Piacenta tpiacenta@trinityhartford.org 04/30/03 1:23 PM Central
I received a hydrangea plant today I have tried planting several outdoors they all died. what am I doing wrong?
FROM: Laurie jlcs@ewol.com 04/30/03 8:18 AM Central
I live in Southwest Florida and just purchased 6 Merritt's supreme Pink Hydrangea shrubs. I will plant them later today and I wonder if there is anything I can do to assure they will take root and thrive. Will the Fl sun hurt them? I plan on planting them next to a wood fence.
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 04/29/03 5:34 PM Central
I would like to get in contact with anyone in my general area of Va. Beach Va. who is growing Hydrangeas.
FROM: Charlene charlene.bromley@advocatehealth.com 04/29/03 1:14 PM Central
I purchased two Hydrangea Mathilda Gutges for Easter. Has anyone got any info on that variety? Will they live outdoors? I did plant them near a high stone wall, hopefully protecting them from some of Chicago's elements.
FROM: Katie kfitzgerald@telus.net 04/29/03 12:30 PM Central
I have a pink hydranga and would like to change the colour to purple. Is this possible? Is there something that I can add to the soil?
FROM: Katie kfitzgerald@telus.net 04/29/03 12:29 PM Central
I have a pink hydranga and I would like to change the colour to purple. Is this possible? Is there something that I can add to the soil?
FROM: 04/29/03 11:34 AM Central

FROM: Rich rich@framesbc.com 04/29/03 11:16 AM Central
What is the greatest formula for growing healthy hydrangeas? Does anyone have this dialed? I live in zone 5 according to the old zoning map.
FROM: CLAUDIA DLOFING@AOL.COM 04/29/03 10:21 AM Central
I AM LOOKING FOR ANSWERS TO ALL THE POSTED QUESTION--WHERE DO I FIND THE ANWERS??? I HAVE MANY OF THE SAME QUESTIONS--WHY CAN'T THE ANSWERS BE POSTED AND SHOWN TO US?? WHO IS DOING THIS? EVERYONE WANTS ANSWERS--WHERE ARE THEY? WHY AREN'T THEY POSTED SAME AS THE QUESTIONS? PLEASE HELP...
FROM: Mary desantm@mail-ope.stjohns.k12.fl.us 04/29/03 9:56 AM Central
I have several small plants, just started from cuttings. I also have a plant I planted last year and it is growing nicely. My question is, why isn't it blooming? I did cut it back for the winter but it looks strong and healthy green. I don't even see any buds on it. I fertilize with Miracle Gro for acid-loving plants about once a month. Any ideas? THanks.
FROM: Buzz bvuncannon@aol.com 04/29/03 7:40 AM Central
hi, i am trying to fid out the best way to root some hydrangea's. i want to root some cutting's for a family member..thanks Buzz
FROM: Kathy Glaze kcglaze45@cox.net 04/28/03 9:17 PM Central
my hydrangeas have stopped blooming, I have these beautiful healthy plants with no blooms....why?
FROM: tony pascual tonypascual@earthlink.net 04/26/03 11:42 PM Central
GREETINGS TO ALL, i,m new to Hydrangeas and am looking for cuttings of all kinds,if kind enough please send to : tony pascual 635sw19th.ave.#302 portland, oregon 97205 ,will remitt postage. bless you.
FROM: Wes BRboy82@aol.com 04/26/03 10:32 PM Central
I am interested in growing Hydrangeas in my garden, but am unable to find if they will grow in the Central Florida area (zones 10a or 10b). Does anyone have any information on this? Thanks!
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 04/26/03 6:11 PM Central
You may have a Pia variety that is a low creeping bush. May need more sun.
FROM: Ann Marks annmarks823@hotmail.com 04/26/03 6:03 PM Central
I have a hydrangea bush that I planted last year it got real full but close to the ground not growing up and produced no flowers. I have somewhat some sany soil. and the sun gets it half the day its in partial sun. What have I done wrong? Please help. I live in Michigan
FROM: Linda Lamkin moneywoman@charter.net 04/26/03 11:34 AM Central
Please tell me where and how to plant my hydrangea. I have a general idea but I don't want to loose it by putting it in the wrong spot. I have already lost two that way. Thank you.
FROM: Brenda Maier bmaier@magma.ca 04/25/03 6:58 PM Central
I would like to buy the preserved hydrangia in Ottawa. The perrywinkle colour preferably. When is the best time to order?
FROM: Rose jupiter@dtccom.net 04/25/03 5:01 PM Central
I have a hydrangea that I've had for about 10 yrs. and it has not bloomed.What should I do to make it bloom?I live in Tennesse.
FROM: Elizabeth LaBruyere elabruyere@houston.rr.com 04/25/03 4:14 PM Central
Hi, I have a hydrangea that has been in my graden, under a small willow tree, the leaves are turning light green, again, but has normal colored vains. This happened last year,and then the edges turned brown. I live in zone 9. I love this plant because my grandmother give it to me years ago, I just want it to look its best! Thanks E.J.laBruyere
FROM: jess 04/24/03 9:41 PM Central
Hi im not sure if im right but i have to do an experiment on phenotypes for biology. I heard that by putting certain substances in the the soil hydrangaes will change colour? is this correct? how long does it take to change and what do you put in the soil? thanks for any help
FROM: Sherry Miller pumpkin@acsworld.net 04/24/03 6:58 PM Central
I live in Central Pennsylvania I want to purchase a blue hydrangea for the first time. Would like to know where to plant it, when to plant it & how to care for it?
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 04/24/03 5:20 PM Central
June 21st in Harrisburg should be fine. The blooms will last in water fine a day a couple of days. If the centerpieces are not in water, suggest you put them out the morning of. I gave about 100 blooms to a friend for a wedding last year in Birmingham and they were a real highlight of the wedding reception. Tell you friends to leace 6-8 inches of stem under the blooms to help hold the water, cut them to size when you put them into the centerpieces.
FROM: laura lstorch@camphillsd.k12.pa.us 04/24/03 1:47 PM Central
I am planning on hydrangeas for my June 21st wedding in Harrisburg pa. will they be in bloom? some friends offered that i can cut their blooms off instead of ordering them from a florist. also how long will they last in water? can we put the centerpieces together the night before or wait until the morning of? thanks for your help- it will definitly minimize my stress if i could find the answers to these questions
FROM: Linda Wood 04/22/03 11:03 PM Central
I just got the most beautiful blue lace cap hydrangea and it is my first experience with this plant. I was pleased to find this web site, because I want this plant to be with me for a long time. It was root bound and I transplated it into a larger pot. I love unique plants & blooms, so I hope that I can keep it thriving with all this information. Thanks, Linda Wood
FROM: angela marziarz amarziarz@brunalliconstruction.com 04/22/03 9:49 AM Central
i receive a hydrangea plant for easter and want to know what is the best place to plant it. and how to go about planting it. i love this plant and would like to keep it for a long time. please help
FROM: Wendy Watson wteaglesfly@pacificcoast.net 04/21/03 5:28 PM Central
When should I prune my hydrangea and how often should they be fertilized and with what - are there varieties that like more shade than sun?
FROM: Dee Dee Saracco dsaracco@sbcglobal.com 04/21/03 10:43 AM Central

FROM: Jane O'Brien mob_818@yahoo.com 04/20/03 2:44 PM Central
I got a hydrangea for easter from a realitive. it has 2-3 blooms on it but I really want to plant it and not let it die. I have read about where to plant it and what type of soil to plant it in. However, how long can I wait to plant it and should I remove the flowers?? I also even wonder if it worth my trouble to try to plant it in the ground when it is a florist variety plant.
FROM: Rita Ritairwin@hotmail.com 04/20/03 1:04 PM Central
I live in the Florida Keys (zone 11). I bought a hydrangea two years ago. After repotting it the first year I had no blooms. This year I fertilized it with a little mircale grow and YEAH! blooms have just started showing. My questions; 1. when should I repot it to a larger pot and 2 is our sandy, salty soil too hostile to plant the bush in a raised garden bed where my roses live?
FROM: Deborah cahill@techline.com 04/20/03 11:19 AM Central
I have a very old, overgrown hydrangea. How do I prune it back for health and maximum bloom?
FROM: Deborah cahill@techline.com 04/20/03 11:19 AM Central
I have a very old, overgrown hydrangea. How do I prune it back for health and maximum bloom?
FROM: LINDA LINDAALBERS@LYCOS.COM 04/20/03 5:27 AM Central
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN PLANT A PEEGEE HYDRANGEA UNDER A BLACK WALNUT TREE.I LIVE IN SOUTHWEST OHIO.LINDA
FROM: Shirley Grnyshirl@aol.com 04/19/03 5:19 PM Central
Help! I think I may lose my newly planted hydrangea. The leaves and blooms are dying. I planted it about 3 wks ago. I've sprayed for bugs with Seven and fertilized it once after it started dying. When I planted it I used Mircle Grow potting soil mixed with the dirt and planted it on the West side of my house. I live in North East OK. Can anyone help me?
FROM: michelle 04/19/03 4:17 PM Central
elena-assuming that your plants are getting enough water and not too much sun...hydrangeas bloom the most when they are a teensy bit stressed if you over fertilize that could keep them from blooming...once a year for my plants and they do fine...I am in zone 8 too. also if you prune too much on any hydrangea (except annabelle) that may affect your blooms. Also check where you planted them...they fight with trees for nutrients and water (remember some big tree's roots stretch out pretty far)
FROM: elena perez elenaper@credicardbank.com 04/18/03 12:51 PM Central
I live in San Antonio, Texas (Zone 8) and I have planted two hydrangea plants that were blooming when I bought them (April/02). They did not continue to bloom and have not grown too much. I fertilize occasionally, pruned them in Febuary and have applied peat moss, manure and good potting soil around each plant after digging slightly around them. Hydrangeas are my favorite plant and wonder if they bloom in this area. Give me all suggestions.
FROM: elena perez elenaper@credicardbank.com 04/18/03 12:51 PM Central
I live in San Antonio, Texas (Zone 8) and I have planted two hydrangea plants that were blooming when I bought them (April/02). They did not continue to bloom and have not grown too much. I fertilize occasionally, pruned them in Febuary and have applied peat moss, manure and good potting soil around each plant after digging slightly around them. Hydrangeas are my favorite plant and wonder if they bloom in this area. Give me all suggestions.
FROM: eileen brooks slpawy11@aol.com 04/18/03 6:39 AM Central
i am looking for a supplier of hydrangeas for my daughters wedding on may 3, 2003. does anyone know of a good, reputable dealer. i need approximately 80 stems for the tables. thank you. eileen
FROM: Charlene Bromley charlene.bromley@advocatehealth.com 04/17/03 2:20 PM Central
I just purchased two of the most beautiful hydrangeas at Costco. They are multi-colored, some purple and lavender, some pink with lavender shading and also a green/yellow flower. I live in Chicago and would like to plant these in the yard. The directions state: Full sun, sensative to frost. Obviously, Chicago gets a frost - May 21, 2002 was a prime example. Is there anyway I can protect these fabulous looking flowers so they come up next year?
FROM: Mr. P 04/17/03 2:08 PM Central
Lynn. some plants probably could take your zone. Anneabella, PeeGee, and Oakleaf are the ones I would try. All of these are hardy to zone 5 but I think they could also take the heat also. Also Annebella can be cut to the ground during the winter because they bloom on new wood. If you need any more answers add your email address to the screen and I will reply. Mr. P
FROM: LYNN 04/17/03 1:48 PM Central
I LIVE IN ZONE 9B, FT PIERCE, FL, I HAVE BEEN DISCOURAGED BY THE LOCAL NURSERIES FROM TRYING TO GROW HYDRANGEA. I HAVE AN AREA AT FRONT ENTRY THAT IS SHADED & WATERED, CAN YOU BE OF ANY HELP? ANYONE IN MY AREA HAVE LUCK IN GROWING??
FROM: lmayse lmayse@mrtc.com 04/16/03 10:20 PM Central
just wanted to learn more about growing hydrangeas
FROM: Linda Clay clay.linda@mccg.org 04/15/03 2:10 PM Central
I have just received a beautiful pink Hydragea. I live in Georgia where and how should I plant it????
FROM: Anne Jones ajones@stpegs.com 04/15/03 2:05 PM Central
Where do I find the answers to all of these questions?
FROM: Lynn lsb865@localnet.com 04/15/03 1:54 PM Central
I am getting REALLY confused. I hope someone will clear this up for me. Why is it most professionals will tell you Hydrangea are SHADE plants and some will tell you that you need FULL SUN.? I recently purchased 5 Lemon Zest which I can't wait to get in the ground. My local florest says SHADE< SHADE
FROM: Mary DeSanto desantm@mail-ope.stjohns.k12.fl.us 04/15/03 7:52 AM Central
I have 5 hydrangeas. 2 are very small but doing fine. 1 I planted last year and it's nice and green but no blooming. The other 2 I planted this year and the leaves are curling up and turning brown at the edges. If anyone could help me, that would be great. Thanks!!!
FROM: julie jjunebug29@yahoo.com 04/14/03 6:09 PM Central
I bought a hydrangea at the market today after going to the store i found out my plant is a indoor one i have one outside in michigan now it does welll but this ones flowers are wilting what can i do so it's back to being lovely for easter please help
FROM: Rich rich@framesbc.com 04/14/03 5:43 PM Central
I'm reading all these questions but where do I find the answers?
FROM: Jacquelyn C. Ross rodenn9@aol.com 04/14/03 4:24 PM Central
Forgot to tell you I live in zone 7.
FROM: Jacquelyn C. Ross rodenn9@aol.com 04/14/03 4:18 PM Central
I am an avid gardener. I now have collards, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, cantaloupe, string beans, corn, summer squash, etc. My flowers are rose bushes, petunias, impatiens, crotons, etc. My heart sits with my hydrangeas, but I don't know what I am doing. I have eight bushes, two are older and tall, five I have just purchased this spring. They are in the ground and doing well. I have put top soil around them, I have fertilized them, water always. Please help me to have some glorious flowers for the summer.
FROM: Mike Dodge rhodeguy@aol.com 04/14/03 3:08 PM Central
Have two big Hydrangea plants and it's Spring in Rhode Island. All stalks are currently brown and dry. When and how should I cut them back afoot or more?
FROM: Annabelle c240@earhlink.net 04/10/03 5:48 PM Central
I bought 2 blue hydrangas at a local greenhouse when they didn't bloom after 2 years I ask what I should do, I was told to give them superphosphate. I did and the blossoms when they finally came, were pink. I read later that superphosphate will turn them pink. What fertilizer should be used on blue hydrangas?
FROM: Linda Oreskovich dlkovich@discover-net.net 04/10/03 4:43 PM Central
I have some hydranga paniculata shrubs and like to use them in my dried flower arrangements. Just before they are ready to be picked to dry completely the petals begin to get little rust colored specks on them so many of them I can't use. They are in full sun, here in cental wisconsin, and I'm wondering if this could be the cause. Can anyone help me out here?
FROM: Skeeter/Jane 04/09/03 11:27 AM Central
Terry, The landscapers rule of thumb is "Never prune spring bloomers in the spring, Never prune summer bloomers in the summer". "Prune after blooming is complete". If You follow this you will not risk cutting off the current years blooms. Pee Gees may be pruned now, and best if you prune before they start to sprout, or in the fall after blooming is complete. Some people like to leave the Pee Gees blooms on in the fall, because they are so nice dried, and have such beautiful fall colors as they age. Another Landscapers rule of thumb is "Never remove more than 1/3 of any plant at one time". You can but you are taking the risk of shocking or killing part or all of the plant. The key here is proper pruning so you don't have to prop or tie up your Pee Gee's. I am assuming this is a Pee Gee Standard (or Tree) we are speaking of. The Butterfly bushes should be trimmed like roses, as soon as they start to break bud, so you can tell what is winter kill and remove that part. Shape as you like keeping the Landscapers rule of thumb in mind. Hope all of your gardening is a wonderful adventure. Good Luck Skeeter/Jane
FROM: 04/09/03 10:55 AM Central

FROM: Terry Nielsen terrynielsen@comcast.net 04/09/03 9:23 AM Central
I live in SE Michigan, my soil is sandy/gravely, how so I trim PG Hydrangeas for the new growing season? They become very leggy and the heavy flowers droop. How would you support them? Also, how do you trim a butterfly bush in preparation of the new season?
FROM: Adame mrope@4480Aol.com 04/08/03 6:03 PM Central
when is the best time to trim hydrangias? And how much, what to feed them for great blooming?
FROM: Lynn Neel neeljl@msn.com 04/06/03 6:44 PM Central
We went on a plant dig today and I have several large oakleaf hydrangas, for our mostly shady lot. They are rootbare. We were not equippted to bring back the soil with the large bushes. I also noticed that is what most people were doing. Should I cut them back? Any planting advise will be much appreciated. Thanks Hydranga Lovers
FROM: sbustuds@sbu.ac.uk 04/06/03 3:10 PM Central

FROM: sbustuds@sbu.ac.uk 04/06/03 3:09 PM Central

FROM: April Williams april@bossig.com 04/06/03 11:01 AM Central
I have a yard full of hydrageas - different colors and types. They flourish there with not much care. I live on the Coast in Southwestern Washington(I think it's Zone 9) My question is: I've had very little success in using them as cut flowers -they wilt immediately. My niece is getting married in August & wants hydrangeas in her wedding. I'd like to figure this out (They dry fine when I wait until fall to cut)Does anyone know what I can do to use them as fresh cut flowers?
FROM: Mimmye 04/06/03 10:39 AM Central
I'm looking for a dwarf hydrangea to border a flower bed. Area will get partial afternoon sun. I live in Zone 7.
FROM: joanne pfeifer jpfeifer@comcast.net 04/05/03 6:31 PM Central

FROM: CLAUDIA DLOFING@AOL.COM 04/05/03 10:37 AM Central
AFTER READING MANY MESSAGES AND QUESTIONS--ASKING WHY THEIR HYDRANGEAS DO NOT BLOOM---WHERE DO I SEE THE ANSWERS?? AND WHY DO THEY NOT BLOOM? I JUST PLANTED 8 AND EXPECT BLOOM---HAVE LIMITED SPACE AND DONT WANT SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T BLOOM. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH HYDRANGEAS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE WRITING IN TO SAY--THEY DON'T BLOOM? AND WHERE CAN I SEE THE ANSWERS TO ALL THESE PEOPLE'S QUESTIONS? ALL I SEE ON THIS SITE IS QUESTIONS--NO RESPONSES. CLAUDIA DLOFING@AOL.COM
FROM: ccoupkir ccoupkir@ameritech.net 04/05/03 9:35 AM Central
I have a Lace Cap hydrangea that hasn't bloomed since I planted it. Does anyone have any ideas on this?
FROM: Gale fcolton@stargate.net 04/05/03 8:29 AM Central
My hydranges bush is about 5 years old and very full. It hasn't produced any blooms in a few years. I am in PA and it is in the morning sun. What can I do to help it along?
FROM: Gale fcolton@stargate.net 04/05/03 8:26 AM Central
My hydrangea bush is about 5 years old and is very full but hasn't produced any blooms for a few years. What can I do to help it along?
FROM: Sharon sharonroddy@yahoo.com 04/04/03 9:22 PM Central
To make hydrangea blooms blue, use aluminum sulfate. Use one level tablespoon per each foot of plant height and scatter the aluminum sulfate around the base of the plant and water thoroughly. You are supposed to start in January or February, but it will still work if you start now. Apply the aluminum sulfate at 4 to 6 week intervals until the flowers have formed. I live where the soil is very alkaline (which makes the blooms pink) and the aluminum sulfate works great.
FROM: Janice Benton jeb32@fone.net 04/04/03 10:57 AM Central
I live in the Southwest corner of Colorado, very dry. My hydrangeas are located on the north side of our house, which gets early morning sun. I don't know the species, they seem to be very common in appearance, usually white, because of soil content (I don't know much about fixing that to change the color, so want to learn). Last blooming season (second season)I had trimmed them back in spring (which we have to be careful here, because we can have freezes up until the last of May), and when new growth appeared the shoots came directly from the ground. None of the old stems got any new growth. When the plant had blooms, they fell to the ground. They were beautiful, but the stems could not support them. I watered them regularly, but they also received water from the sprinklers, which was every other day. I had people tell me I had overwatered and some said I didn't water enough. The ground around the plants really never completely dried out, because of the slope of the gound, which slants toward the house, so got run-off from other parts of the yard. I don't know if these plants are hopeless, I hope not, and this is my reason for writing you. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
FROM: CLAUDIA DLOFING@AOL.COM 04/04/03 10:42 AM Central
I JUST PLANTED 8 VARIOUS HYDRANGEAS--AFTER READING THE QUESTIONS ON THIS MESSAGE BOARD--IM WONDERING WHY EVERYONE HAS TROUBLE GETTING BLOOMS??? ARE THEY HARD TO GROW? I PLANTED SOME ON EAST SIDE AND SOME ON WEST SIDE OF MY HOUSE.IS THERE A SPECIAL CARE I NEED TO GIVE THEM? WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE ASKING HOW TO GET THEM TO BLOOM.?
FROM: Rebecca wedel-r@msn.com 04/04/03 10:35 AM Central
How do I get my hydrangas to be blue?
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 04/03/03 1:10 PM Central
$600.00 (+) (Hydrangeas)Due you have one/more of these $600.00 Hydrangeas? Chances are you may have several.Do you know you can take 100 or more cuttings of off your Nikko, Glowing Embers,Blue Wave, etc. mature plants to grow on and sell,just say $6.00 ea. in 1 gal. containers, we are talking about plants that usually sell for $9.99-$12.88 at g/centers so the $6.00 price can be a lot more. The Demand is ever present, just scroll down, If you have interest in growing/selling Hydrangea and other plants contact me directly randy_gibbs@hotmail.com and I will answer your questions and e-mail you back with info., If you enjoy growing a few plants for yourself what could be better that growing many more. You do the Math- 1 GAL.plants cost to produce=$.50 selling for $6.00=1,100% ($.50 times 1,100%=$5.50 and you add in the $.50 production cost to come up with the selling price of $6.00 is 1,100% about what you get on all your other investments??? no answer required-
FROM: Dolores artsofun@altelco.net 04/03/03 12:55 PM Central
I have two hyndranga plants outside and do not get any blossoms on them. Any ideas. Thanks
FROM: Betty bettyjohnson669@hotmail.com 04/02/03 3:23 PM Central
I just moved into a home three years ago,have several hydyranga shrubs.The first year i was here only the blue ones bloomed,last year they all blooned,the other ones started out a pale pink,then turned to a deep rose,later they changed to a burgandy color,they where beatiful.Ihave had people tell me that some of them only bloom every other year,is that true?
FROM: ed elnq@optonline.net 03/29/03 4:29 PM Central
Last year I purchased a BlueBird LaceCap Hydrangea. Over the winter all of the branches have grown brown and brittle. What do I need to do this year.
FROM: Newgardener 03/29/03 9:52 AM Central
we moved into a house that has 6 5-6'tall Oak Leaf Hydrangeas in full sun. According to the previous owners, they have always flourished, However, as of 3/38/03, they do not appear to have any new green growth. They appear very woody and kind of dead. Are they in a dormant period? We had a very rough summer w/ partial drought and strong sun. At the end of summer, we dead headed them and just removed superficial dead wood. What do I do now? I live in Southwestern PA,Zone 5
FROM: Kim Russell jkrussell6@hotmail.com 03/25/03 5:25 PM Central
This is not a hydrangea question but I'm hoping someone out there can help me...the squirrels are pulling the plants out of my pots...not really eathing them, just uprooting them...is there a safe way to just make them stop? My mom suggested mothballs, but the pots they are attacking today are by the front door and the mothballs really stink!
FROM: Susan susanherley@doall.com 03/25/03 4:42 PM Central
Help! I think that I killed my Hydrangea. Live in a suburb of Chicago and was cleaning up the garden this weekend. Last year I bought a plant (small and young) and forgot about it this spring. Saw some yellowish stalks and proceeded to cut it down. Low and behold after inspecting these stalks, it looked like some buds were beginning on the end. Did I kill my poor little plant?
FROM: Shirley dawkinst@msn.com 03/25/03 3:49 PM Central
Have you tried Wilkerson Mill Nursery----in Georgia. I found it on my computer under hydrangea.com
FROM: BARB BARB@AMERILYNK.COM 03/25/03 12:56 PM Central
I AM LOOKING TO ORDER A MERRITT'S SUPREME IN A DARK PINK COLOR. I LIVE IN ZONE 5 WIS.
FROM: BARB BARB@AMERILYNK.COM 03/25/03 12:55 PM Central
HI, I AM TRYING TO LOCATE A PLACE WHERE I CAN ORDER A "MERRITT'S SUPREME" DARK PINK COLORED HYDRANGEA. I LIVE IN WIS. ZONE 5. THANKS, BARB
FROM: Mary desantm@mail-ope.stjohns.k12.fl.us 03/24/03 11:05 AM Central
Hi! I am just starting to grow hydrangeas and have 3 planted and then some cutting started. My question is for the ones planted. 2 I recently purchased and they have blooms on them THey are blue. As the blooms die, should I cut them off or just let them fall. My other planted one was planted last year and it still hasn't gotten the blooms on it. THanks for your help!
FROM: Phil Lassiter p.r.lassiter@att.net 03/23/03 3:21 PM Central
I live in zone 5 and wonder how to prune hydrangeas, two separate pruning questions, really. 1. I have a friend, also in zone 5 but in another state, that only prunes in the early spring before any growth, and that pruning is really radical: He cuts all his hydrangea bushes right down to the ground. Is that adviseable? Shouldn't I selectively prune out just what I think is dead wood, again in the early spring? 2. The huge hydrangeas like Nikko Blue get too big for me. Can I prune them down to a more manageable size, shortening their height and width, every season without killing them with such heavy pruning?
FROM: DJ petrie@mts.net 03/23/03 9:10 AM Central
Hi, I put in a PeeGee Hydrangea last fall and I need to know how to care for it. It is on the southeast corner of the yard and gets about 4 to 6 hours of morning sun with deep shade from 1:00 pm on. Do I need to prune it now or some other time? What kind of food does it need and when do I start to feed it? Any other growing tips would be appreciated. I am in zone 2b
FROM: Shari SL4cats@aol.com 03/23/03 8:46 AM Central
How can I see the answers to other people's questions? All I see are the questions - that I also get thru my email.
FROM: shania s. shadarsat@hotmail.com 03/22/03 11:24 PM Central
i am a freshman in high school, and i am doing a science experiment in my ag class on hydrangeas. I was always intriguied with the colors of them, and i would like some information on how you get certian colors out of hydrangeas. i live in cali. and i am not sure if this is planting season or not. any interesting information would be helpful, but what i am really looking for is information on the color of the plant. hopefully you have not already answerd a question like this on your message board... i didnt read all of them to know... thank you for any help you can give me!
FROM: Becky gakawell@charter.net 03/22/03 10:09 AM Central
I want to get started with these plants and don't have the budget to just go buy some. Is there a way to swap soil or pots or something for small plants of different varieties? I live in Birmingham, AL.
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 03/21/03 2:06 PM Central
Hydrangea StandardSure it can be done but it takes a lot of time and therefore if you are doing it for sales you will have at gharge more than the avg. person will pay. But for your self, why not. Randy
FROM: Kyla kylamike@efn.org 03/21/03 1:28 PM Central
Hi! Kyla here from Eugene, OR. I'm interested in growing a hydrangea standard in a pot. Does anyone have any experience or advice? Thank you.
FROM: Kim Russell jkrussell6@hotmail.com 03/21/03 12:51 PM Central
I live in Zone 7b and would like to know when I should prune my hydrangeas. They are putting out babies at the base, but, the stems from last year are still on them and these woody stems have buds on the ends.
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 03/19/03 11:33 AM Central
AreYou watering to (much/to little)? Lowes and Wal-mart sell Moisture Meters for less than $5.00. It has a 10 inch probe that you can measure the moisture for in ground Plants, inside/outside containers and even check to see if your turf grass needs irrigation. Has a meter that reads in mumbers, 1 to 10, Dry- Moist- Wet. Every one should have one and it makes a nice Gift for your plant friends. When you break it out people will say, you must be smarter than you look,maybe not to your face. You will find the M/Meters in the Garden section. You will love it and no Batteries to ever replace. I have used the same one for 10 years. Tell your Friends. Randy
FROM: Randa Evans Randa_Evans@excite.com 03/18/03 10:01 PM Central
Hey there! Like a lot of people, I am very new to this. I live in either Zone 8a or 8b in the Florida Panhandle. I have noticed the nursuries getting in new plants to sell. I have come across some that are about 1.5 feet tall and in bloom already. Could anbody tell me about how old those plants may be? Also, I understand that the white blooms are probably newer blooms (I think) and that they gain color as they age. How long will a bloom stay on a plant? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Sorry about the long message! :)
FROM: Rosemarie rgoldbeck1@charter.net 03/18/03 2:17 PM Central
This is for Claudia. Pia is a dwarf Mophead Hydrangea. It gets 18 to 24" tall. It can be used as a container plant.I just purchased 2 of them on the Internet at http://www.crownsvillenursery./com/hydraneasmophead.htm
FROM: CLAUDIA DLOFING@AOL.COM 03/18/03 10:41 AM Central
I HAVE A VERY SMALL YARD BUT WOULD LOVE TO GROW HYDRANGEAS--WHAT VARIETIES ARE 'DWARF' OR VERY COMPACT GROWING?? AND WHERE DO I FIND THEM? THANK YOU, CLAUDIA
FROM: Kathy Deon ryden17@optonline.net 03/18/03 10:24 AM Central
I live on LI (7A)I need to move a dormant bush now (whether here is in 60's at least for 1-2 wks-ground not frozen.Will bush die if I replant now before our Spring?
FROM: Shirley dawkinst@msn.com 03/15/03 8:02 AM Central
I also have a severe deer problem. A gun or a fence are the only things that will help. Since I live in the city limits I use fencing. But, that gets expensive and unsightly at times----so, I buy deer block netting at Lowe's and drop it on top of the hydrangeas. You cannot even see it a few feet away. The down-side is that the hydrangea will grow through it. So, every few days I lift it and then drop it again. OR---you can just hang this netting on a tall stick and make a fence of it around the plants. An added benefit of this is that if you have some of the netting folded up on the ground---snakes get caught in it---cannot get out---and soon die. I know that deer can jump across this---but in my experience, they just avoid it. All that smelly stuff, like soap, human hair, etc. is just a temporary deterent.
FROM: 03/14/03 11:17 PM Central
To stop animals from chewing the buds off of plants, cayenne pepper works. However, remember to reapply it after every rain storm. Once the buds have bloomed, the risk is over.
FROM: Skeeter/Jane 03/14/03 4:09 PM Central
I have heard if you put bar of deodorant soap in a net bag and hang them where the deer are eating it discourages them. (i.e. Hang them in your hydrangeas or trees.)Something with a strong smell like Coast or Irish Spring. I have never tried this but yards I have landscaped in had done this. Who knows maybe it would even work in flower beds if you hung them on small crooks. Good Luck in all of your gardening adventures.
FROM: Martha Mart2825@earthlink.net 03/14/03 3:50 PM Central
Hi, this is my first time with your message board. I am looking for information on pink or red hydreangas. Iknow one can add lye or lime to the soil at the root of a hydreanga to affect it's color, so is the pink achieved by adding some chemical to the soil? Any information would be wonderful to have. Thank you
FROM: Nancy redsox@catholicfamilies.net 03/14/03 12:16 PM Central
Okay, I think I finally figured out why my hydrangeas are not blooming. I was just outside and noticed that, although none of my hydrangeas have leaves yet, one of my hydrangeas had the tips of the stalks eaten off (I suspect deer), while the other hydrangea I have still has small buds on the tips of the empty stalks. I learned from this message board that the tips of these stalks contain the blooms for the year. So, maybe the deer are eating my blooms before the plant even begins to flower! Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping the deer away from my hydrangeas? Thanks for your help.
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 03/13/03 9:39 PM Central
Do you have trouble growing tender plants at your front door or any area of your shrub beds in the very cold climate areas? Could be a Gardenia or Tropical Hibiscus, even Hydrangeas- If you want to know how you can just e-mail me and I will tell you how by return e-mail. I would like to have it posted here but there is not a large eneough area. Iam not talking about covering the plant but a fully blooming Trop/ Hibiscus, Weeping Fig, Gardenia or such. randy_gibbs@hotmail.com
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 03/13/03 8:55 PM Central
Pia is a nice dwarf for small gardens
FROM: queen bee dlofing@aol.com 03/13/03 8:50 PM Central
please help--i have a small yard and would love to grow hygrangeas---are there any dwarf varieties? how big? and where to i find them? i live in zone 8-9-- would love any suggestions-- thank you claudia
FROM: mike simkins fordman3@localnet.com 03/13/03 6:21 PM Central
I am a new grower of hydrangeas,although have grown flowers for many years. I have an oakleaf which was my first,and this will be its 3rd year. has done fairly well up to now, but we had a severe winter this year. I also have a new PINK LACECAP which i purchased last season, itwas a 3 gal and i kept it in a large container till early fall then planted it .I have a few questions--- i understand it is time for fert---what do i use and how much? I also would like to experiment with the pinklace, making part of the blooms pink and part blue--- I am told I ned to use alum sulfate or garden sulfur but do i also need to use a certain fert? I use Osmocote on most of my flowers, should i use a acid Osmocote or something else. Also what hydrs do i cut back in the spring and which ones set thrir buds in the fall and should not be cut in spring??? I live in central Ohio and have a good sandy loam soil with a ph of about 6.0 all help would be appreciated---what should i buy next to try--Im getting the spring bug
FROM: Amber georgian_girl@hotmail.com 03/12/03 7:16 PM Central
what kind of fertilizer can I give my maroon color Hydrangea high brances without changing the color?
FROM: Lynn lsb865@localnet.com 03/11/03 8:36 PM Central
Great God a lot of people seem to love these little beauties as much as I do. I am still looking a a Yellow Hydrangea. Anyone out there have one?
FROM: Barb barbaraweiler@yahoo.com 03/11/03 12:58 PM Central
I have had a hydrangea for 4 years now and it has yet to bloom. Every year it dies down for the winter, at thirst I was prunning the stocks right to the ground as that is where the new growth keeps coming from. I have left the old stocks there to see if the new growth would come from them but it doesn't, it has always come up from the bottom again!! It is in full sun all day long and I have fertilized it as well. Please can anyone help me?
FROM: QUEEN BEE DLOFING@AOL.COM 03/10/03 7:44 PM Central
I'D LIKE TO PLANT SOME HYDRANGEAS BUT HAVE ONLY A SMALL YARD-ARE THERE DWARF VARIETIES?? LIVE IN ZONE 8-9.
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 03/10/03 4:43 PM Central
In my area of Va. Beach Va.zone 8 the leaves of my Hydrangeas are leafing out and it could very well frost at 32f tonight,you got the same problem? I placed burlap over the plants in containers and in the coldframe as well. A old bed spread held up with stakes will do the same. Just be sure to remove the covering the following mornings. Randy
FROM: 03/10/03 4:38 PM Central

FROM: Carrie Ellis cdellis@wcpss.net 03/10/03 12:54 PM Central
I would like to use hydrangea flowers for my wedding in September. The colors I am using are green, blue, purple, and pink. I would like the flowers to match the colors of the bridesmaid dresses. Does anyone know of the kind or types of plants I could buy and where to get them?
FROM: Carrie Ellis cdellis@wcpss.net 03/10/03 12:51 PM Central
I would like to use hydrangea flowers for my wedding in September. The colors I am using are green, blue, purple, and pink. I would like the flowers to match the colors of the bridesmaid dresses.
FROM: Betsy Spoerer spoerer6@aol.com 03/09/03 10:27 PM Central
I live in Charlotte NC and have a new hydrangea just begging to be planted but don't know where to put it. Got two great spots - one where sun is morning only and the other gets afternoon sun only. Both are within firing range of the sprinkler systems. Any suggestions would be welcome, and thanks!
FROM: Valerie valerie-wong@mail.com 03/09/03 9:52 PM Central
Hi there. I lived in tropical Singapore and have recently started to grow a small pot of hydrangea in my balcony in my apartment. I need some help and advice as I'm new to raising hydrangeas!!! I've also pruned off the flowers 4 weeks ago. Any idea how long it will take before it will bloom again? Thanks.
FROM: Sharon 03/08/03 10:42 PM Central
I bought Bandini aluminum sulfate at a local (non-chain) nursery because they stopped carrying it at the Home Depot in my city.
FROM: P upbeat5@cox.net 03/08/03 9:56 PM Central
where do I buy aluminum sulfate? I can't find it at Home Depot.
FROM: Mr. P Jondeer4u@AOL.com 03/08/03 3:11 PM Central
Would Skeeter/Jane send me a note? I also live in Zone 5 Thanks
FROM: bernardo spicyspoot@aol.com 03/08/03 2:10 PM Central
i luking for job i have 4 years expewriens an perenials
FROM: 03/08/03 2:08 PM Central

FROM: Skeeter/Jane 03/07/03 3:37 PM Central
I have had fabulous luck with the Nikko Blue variety. And last year I sprinkled the soil with the Aluminum Sulfate, and they were absolutely beautiful. They ranged from creamy pinks to dark purples and blues. All on the same bush. I have a cluster of about ten bushes, and it was the most beautiful sight. I thought they would be all the same color but it was a wonderful surprize. This variety can get up to 6 feet tall so you should make sure you can use this height. I have had mine in the ground for two seasons this will be their third and I can't wait to see what they have in store for me this year. I am in zone 5 with a wooded lot, and these guys get sun for about five hours. I hope this helps. Good luck in your gardening adventures.
FROM: Brooke Taylor btaylor@eagle-corp.com 03/07/03 2:53 PM Central
I live in Charlottesville, Va. and want to plant several hydranga bushes this spring. Which variety would you recommend for a 6 or 7 zone that is a fast grower and has the best chance of survival
FROM: Kathy and Tom Shaw clement@primary.net 03/05/03 10:45 AM Central
to new house and home owner: what planting zone ,where do you live. once you furnish this information I'm sure you will recieve some great help from the message board,
FROM: Laura llaumann@buckeye-express.com 03/04/03 8:10 PM Central
I have a new house (and garden). I'm looking for hydrangas.
FROM: Bonnie 03/03/03 5:12 PM Central
I have 2 potted plants that I just bought. These are Hydrangea Macrophylla and I live in zone 7a/6b. I live in an apartment so it's impossible for me to plant them in a yard. My question is, is it possible to grow them in a large pot on my balcony? I am wanting to use the flowers for my July wedding(just as centerpieces, etc). Would this be possible? If so how do I plant them into another pot? They have bloomed so how do I trim the plant before repotting. Any help would be great. Thanks.
FROM: Bonnie 03/03/03 5:09 PM Central
I have 2 potted plants that I just bought. These are Hydrangea Macrophylla and I live in zone 7a/6b. I live in an apartment so it's impossible for me to plant them in a yard. My question is, is it possible to grow them in a large pot on my balcony? I am wanting to use the flowers for my July wedding(just as centerpieces, etc). Would this be possible? If so how do I plant them into another pot? They have bloomed so how do I trim the plant before repotting. Any help would be great. Thanks.
FROM: Tim Wood Hortusthird@yahoo.com 02/28/03 10:39 AM Central
I am trying to find Hydrangea David Ramsey and Decater Blue. Does anyone have these varieties?
FROM: Linda B regandlindab@msn.com 02/26/03 8:55 PM Central
My daughter wants to have white hydgrangeas in bridal bouquet and float a blue hydrangea heat in bowl of water for table center pieces---can this be done??
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 02/22/03 8:39 PM Central
Many people have mentioned healthy plants but no flowers.
In order I suggest the following problems.
1. In many parts of the country last year, including here in Alabama, we got a very late deep freeze. As I recall, it was in the mid to high teens about Feb 27th or 28th. As most of you know, the buds for this years flowers have already started by that time. My guess for some of you is that these buds froze beyond recovery and delayed or eliminated blooms for the rest of the year.
2. I have over 100 hydrandea planted in different places in my yard. The amount of sun is critical to the extent of the blooms. More sun, more blooms, up to a point. H. really do not like the steamy hot afternoon sun we get in July and August in central Alabama with many 90 degree plus consecutive days. My best plants for blooms seem to get 4-5 hours of sun sometime before early to mid afternoon, and then partial shade after that.
3. Some of my plants, even in the best of areas seem to skip a year every so often. There are some blooms, but nowhere near the number or size of the previous or following year. This may relate to fertilizing and watering, but sometimes I think they just want to take a year off from the big blooms.
I hope this answers the many questions that I have received about bushes with few or no blooms.
FROM: gwen bulithed@yahoo.com 02/22/03 4:06 PM Central
i've seen dusty brown/tawny colored hydrangeas. i thought them beautiful. but then was told that they were from a diseased plant. are there healthy dusty brown hydrangeas?
FROM: C Salisbury CSalis@msn.com 02/19/03 2:59 PM Central

FROM: C Salisbury CSalis@msn.com 02/19/03 2:59 PM Central
.MY Hydrangeas, have had healthy green leaves and seem to be growing well since I planted them 2 years ago. But, I have only had 2 blooms in 2 years. I have planted and fertilized them well. THey are in a good spot and I have no fungus or brown leaves. Why in the world won't they flower? My soil is acidic as checked by a garden center. Please help! I love these plants.
FROM: Marina Maher mmaher@mahercomm.com 02/16/03 10:42 PM Central
Can you tell me if there are any DWARF WHITE HYDRANGEAS? Thank you!
FROM: Kristina S. kristina.cat@attbi.com 02/14/03 1:46 PM Central
I live in Sacramento, CA and have just received a Hydrangea macrophylla--hortensia with 5 beautifully large blooms. I get morning sun in the front patio and afternoon sun in the backyard. Where do I plant this to obtain the quality needed to extend its life? Thank you for any help you can give
FROM: Nancy redsox@catholicfamilies.net 02/13/03 4:46 PM Central
Help! I bought Hydrangeas 3 years ago and they have never bloomed. I'm not even sure what color or shape they're going to be. The foilage is great. They keep getting bigger, but no blooms. I've got black skinny bugs that like to hang out where the stem and leaves come together (probably where the flowers are suppose to come from). Could these bugs be preventing the blooms? How do I get rid of them? I'm so curious to know what color hydrangeas I'll have. Please help. Thanks. I'm in Zone 7 (Maryland)
FROM: 02/13/03 4:41 PM Central

FROM: 02/13/03 4:39 PM Central

FROM: 02/09/03 8:10 PM Central

FROM: Phil Lassiter p.r.lassiter@att.net 02/08/03 1:27 PM Central
I'm probably asking for information about a "doesn't exit" hydrangia, but can anyone recommend hydrangias for my very cold zone 5 (southeastern Michigan), hydrangias that usually don't need special winter protection, and that are not more than 4 or at maximum 5 feet tall? So far I've only found "Preziosa" that White flower Farm sells, and "Pee Wee" and "Penny Mac" (at 5 feet tall) that Wayside Gardens sells. I like the blues, but the very pale violet of "Penny Mac" is all I've been able to find.
FROM: Kim Smith kimzarik@shaw.ca 02/05/03 5:59 PM Central
Hi there, I just stumbled onto your website for the first time today! Very interesting. A few months back I had my retaining walls replaced in my yard, and as a result have purchase new plants and am moving some existing ones. I have a mophead hydrangea and a new Pee Gee hydrangea tree. I am wondering if bone meal is a good thing to add to the planting holes. (it's something i use for my non-acid loving plants). I am new to growing hydrangea's and would appreciate any advice. I live in the Vancouver, BC, Canada area. Zone 8. My soil is on the acid side, but i am getting new garden soil delivered tomorrow. My mop head is about 2 years old and the Pee Gee tree is new. Thanks very much for any help. Kim
FROM: Katie K9196smith@msn.com 02/02/03 9:19 PM Central
Hello, I am a "newbie" in the hydranga field. I love the Annabelle and Oakleaf. I live in Georgia, when do I prune Annabelle, and does the oakleaf need sun or shade? Thanks.
FROM: Nancy Wilson bilson@rmi.net 01/31/03 11:09 PM Central
I would love to hear from anyone in Western Colorado who has had luck raising hydrangeas of any type. I'm dying to grow some - our soil is very alkali but I am willing to ammend. I would also love a good source for hydrangea blossoms for my daughter's wedding this June. In gratitude...
FROM: Shirley Dawkins dawkinst@msn.com 01/31/03 8:35 PM Central
I am very interested in the oakleaf hydrangea---particularly one called Harmony. I have found only 2 sources for this in the US and cannot understand why it is not more popular. I could possibly be the difficulty in propagating it. The oakleaf does not appear to be as easily rooted as the macrophyla is. If you have not seen the Harmony bloom---it looks like "a big pile of mashed potatoes." It has the conical shape of the oakleaf but the individual blooms are like those of the mophead. Can anyone give suggestions on rooting it? Since it blooms on old growth, someone suggested an older stem??? Also, the plant is a very slow grower.
FROM: Shirley Dawkins dawkinst@msn.com 01/31/03 8:22 PM Central
I am very interested in the oakleaf hydrangea---particularly one called Harmony. I have found only 2 sources for this in the US and cannot understand why it is not more popular. I could possibly be the difficulty in propagating it. The oakleaf does not appear to be as easily rooted as the macrophyla is. If you have not seen the Harmony bloom---it looks like "a big pile of mashed potatoes." It has the conical shape of the oakleaf but the individual blooms are like those of the mophead. Can anyone give suggestions on rooting it? Since it blooms on old growth, someone suggested an older stem??? Also, the plant is a very slow grower.
FROM: connie nelopy1@yahoo.com 01/29/03 7:28 PM Central
we are looking for nusurys that supply plugs for green houses in this area pa. close by looking for hines if any one has any information
FROM: Lupe Quintana lupeqppc@msn.com 01/29/03 5:42 PM Central
What kind of fertilizer do I use for my hydrangeas, the leave are black tip and yellow? Help
FROM: Anne Jones ajones@stpegs.com 01/27/03 3:02 PM Central
I live in Zone 9, 60 miles south of Houston. What are the chances of being able to grow hydrangeas. My front yard faces north with very little sun. Back yard gets some sun.
FROM: Heather decami_j@bellsouth.net 01/27/03 12:18 PM Central
I am getting married in May (the end of may) and I would like to hang two wreaths on the church doors. I first wanted all roses, but they are very pricey and I am love hydrangeas. One florist said the flowers would remain fressh in the heat but others have indicated that they need to remain in "oasis" and that the flower will wilt after 5 minutes out of water. Is this true?
FROM: raj raj_2696@yahoo.com 01/22/03 11:26 AM Central
hi can anybody e-mail me. thank you.
FROM: raj raj_2696@yahoo.com 01/22/03 11:20 AM Central
hi, i am a new user can anybody help me. if anybody can i'll be happy. thanks everybody
FROM: Mr. P 01/21/03 10:05 PM Central
mansfeildbbm@aol.com Is not a good UrL
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 01/21/03 8:46 AM Central
Mopheads will keep nicely with their stems in water for 48 hours. Lace caps, I don't know.
FROM: Royce Kelly gilly@globe.net.nz 01/21/03 3:39 AM Central
I want to use hydrangeas for my daughter's wedding table decorations and wonder how to prevent them from wilting when picked - how to keep them fresh for 48 hours at least.
FROM: Pete Smith cpsmith@conweb.com 01/20/03 9:56 PM Central
Coffee is a great way to add acid to hydrangeas. The color change will come from the acid, not the color of the coffee. I use coffee grounds frequently to supplement the Miracle Grow for Azeleas fertilizer.
FROM: Danny kangaxx10@earthlink.net 01/20/03 8:36 PM Central
I was wondering if anyone had tried watering hydrangeas with coffee to alter their color. I am interested in trying this and wonder if it will work. If you have, how long does it take to complete? Thanks!
FROM: Barbara mansfeildbbm@aol.com 01/19/03 11:17 AM Central
I have a few hydrangeas that have not produced any blooms. I have not pruned them back but have removed the stems that turn loose or twist off as advised. I live in zone 7. The foilage is healthy and full but no blooms. What can I do to make them bloom?
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 01/19/03 10:41 AM Central
I will do the math for you on producing a one year old Hydrangea at a production cost of $.50 with a sales price of $6.00 ( $.50 times 1100 % =$ 5.50 and you add in the production cost of $.50 to come up with the selling price of $6.00. (Just) a 1,100 % Annual rate of return on your investment, how could any one live with just that little bit??? Do you know that people who do grow/sell plants are Visionaries, They can see the money. Randy
FROM: Melony Bradley minniehhi@aol.com 01/19/03 10:24 AM Central
Live in zone 9 (Hilton Head, SC) Recently landscapers pruned ALL of my hydrangea stems (18 months old) down to like 4 inches above the root...Will they come back? I thought pruning was for only a third of the mature stems, not ALL of them....HELP! Jan. 19, 2003
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 01/18/03 9:53 AM Central
When you see Hydrangeas for sale at web sites the prices are $15.00-$17.50 for 1 year plants. Do any of you see the $$$ potential in growing/selling Hydrangeas.I can produce these 1 yr.plants for less than $.50ea.in 5 in. pots. contact me if you have the interest.At $.50 production cost($.50 times 2875 %=$14.25 and you add in your production cost to come with the selling price of $14.75) Is 2875 % + about what you make on all your other investments ??? A $6.00 selling price would be more realistic. You do the math on that and contact me if you want some advice on you growing/selling Hydrangeas and other plants. randy_gibbs@hotmail.com
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 01/17/03 7:45 PM Central
Have you seen this site? www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com Great for Ident. of your/others plants.
FROM: Craig Johnson bigjohnsonsfarm@aol.com 01/13/03 7:37 PM Central
Would anyone be able to tell me the minimum dormancy period for hydrangea? What Im trying to do is to gain a years growth by letting the plants go dormant in the fall then bring them into the greenhouse let them grow out and then back outside to go dormant again in say January and then hopefully bud and grow again naturally in the spring. I know this can be done with Clematis, your help would be appreciated.......thanx
FROM: Frank fdutra1@attbi.com 01/13/03 11:57 AM Central
Sounds like it may be root problems either from over-watering or from the plant being forced into bloom before you got it. Yank it out of the pot and check the roots by rinsing some soil away. They should be off white for the newer ones and light brown for the older ones, never mushy or easily broken by gently tugging on them. If rot is found wash off all soil and remove dead/dying roots, repot with fresh potting soil (no compost or garden soil) and a new pot (clay is best for root recovery). A commercial fungicide made for root fungus or damping off should be applied as a drench if possible. Cinnamin dusted on the roots might help if you don't have access to or don't want to use a fungicde. You may have to trim the top back if damage was severe. Misting the leaves twice daily will help while re-establishing in bad cases. Good Luck!
FROM: Rich rich@framesbc.com 01/13/03 10:47 AM Central
We live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our Hydrangea (planted in a pot) was dying before and we brought it in for the winter. We trimmed off all the dead branches and pretty much chopped it down to nothing. However, it began to come back really great. Lots of new buds for leaves and even some huge shoots coming up out of the soil. But now it is starting to die again. The ends of some of the sprouted leaves are beginning to dry and become brown. It has plenty of water and the pot has good drainage too. Any ideas? We want to save the plant!
FROM: lsb865 lsb865@localnet.com 01/09/03 2:46 PM Central
I am looking for a Yellow leaf Hydrangea with a Yellow pom pom flower. Anyone know where to get one? I have seen them with Pink flowers but never Yellow. It was shown in the Fall issue of Country Gardens.
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 01/06/03 4:21 PM Central
My message on www.hydrangeasplus.com had Hydrangeas spelled wrong, I do beleive that is the first mistake I have ever made. Randy (read below)
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 01/06/03 11:48 AM Central
Anyone seeing my message about Visiting www.hyrdangeasplus.com all you have to do is type in the address as there is no provision here to just click on. Randy PS- It will be worth your minuscule effort.
FROM: 01/05/03 3:52 PM Central
Hydrangea's www.hydrangeasplus.com Can't Open the page.
FROM: 01/05/03 3:50 PM Central
ulandaus@hotmmail.com Bad URL
FROM: Randy Gibbs randy_gibbs@hotmail.com 01/05/03 10:35 AM Central
Here is a great site for anyone with questions on growing Hydrangea's www.hydrangeasplus.com and you can obtain other info. by going to www.google.com and typing in search - Growing Hydrangea plants. Pictures, pruning,what varieties for your area, changing color of flowers and much more.Randy
FROM: Donn donnwest@msn.com 01/04/03 12:53 PM Central
I'm looking for the full classification of a Hydrangea called "Linen and Lace" Any help would be appreciated.
FROM: Ulanda ulandaus@hotmmail.com 01/03/03 6:37 PM Central
what happens when the is to much alkalinety in soil?
FROM: Heather heathercolcott@hotkey.net.au 01/03/03 6:28 AM Central
Hi All! Heather here, from Victoria, Australia. I have just moved into this house and have begun work in the garden. I have discovered about 6 Hydrangeas (pink moptops and white lacey ones!) in the garden but they are still in their pots and sunk into the soil! They appear to have been there for quite some time as I tried to lift them out and they don't budge. Is there a reason for this or should I plant them out? Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer. Have a Happy New Year! :)