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5 ways to perk up hydrangeas
My hydrangea bushes aren't blooming. They get full sun, and sometimes the leaves wilt in the afternoon and I have to water them to perk them back up. Should I prune them?
Though hydrangea is supposed to do well in moist, sunny areas, I like to plant mine in semi-shaded locations. Since yours are in full sun, your soil might be too dry. You might want to consider transplanting it - spring and autumn are the the best times.
Your plant might need to be pruned - but it depends on the species. Hydrangea paniculata flowers from mid-summer onwards. They should be cut back hard in the spring because they flower on the current year's growth. Hydrangea macrophylla flowers from summer onwards as well, but on the previous year's growth. Only lightly prune those plants in early spring, getting rid of old flower heads and any wispy branches. Hydrangea aspera and similar species need only minimal pruning in the spring. With all specimens, it is wise to apply a quick release fertilizer. Remember, the acidity of the soil affects the colour of hydrangeas (unless they are white). If the soil has a pH less than 5.5, then the flowers will turn blue. If the pH is higher than 5.5, the flowers will turn pink.An inspirational gardener for over 20 years, and author of Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening, Fran Sorin is interested in helping women understand themselves in relation to their gardens. She hosts a weekly gardening radio show in Philadelphia.
Nationally known gardening expert, and author of Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening, Fran Sorin is interested in helping women understand themselves in relation to their gardens.
Fran is a CBS Radio News Contributor, the GardenSmart contributor to USA Weekend Magazine, a contributing editor of Radius Magazine and is the Gardening Expert for DIY's 'Home Made Easy' and Comcast's 'Your Morning' Show. Fran has made appearances on 'Regis and Kelly', 'The Today Show', CNN, HGTV and The Discovery Channel.
For more information on Fran, go to her website at: www.fransorin.com
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