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Gardening Techniques

How to Prune a Panicle Hydrangea Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Pruning Panicle Hydrangeas: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Panicle hydrangeas are beautiful, versatile shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, to keep them looking their best, it’s important to prune them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prune a panicle hydrangea tree without losing any flowers:

When to Prune

The best time to prune a panicle hydrangea is in early spring, before the plant’s new growth begins. This is because panicle hydrangeas set their flowers on new wood, so pruning after this time will remove the flower buds and result in fewer blossoms.

How to Prune

Step 1: Basic Housecleaning

Start by removing any sucker shoots that are growing around the base of the plant. Then, trim off any shoots that appear on the lower part of the trunk. A hydrangea tree looks best with one trunk that is bare up to where the canopy begins.

Step 2: Pruning the Canopy

Work branch by branch, clipping each branch back to leave only two or three sets of bud nodes. This will prevent overly long branches that can break under the weight of the flowers.

Step 3: Thinning the Canopy

Look for spots where there are several branches coming from the same area on the trunk and crowding each other. Cut one of these branches back at the main trunk.

Step 4: Removing Unwanted Branches

Finally, look for small branches that are heading straight up or toward the inside of the canopy. Cut these branches back to the trunk or main branch from which they are growing.

Tips for Pruning

  • Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.
  • Don’t be afraid to prune back hard. Panicle hydrangeas are tough plants and will quickly produce new growth.
  • If you’re not sure how much to prune, it’s always better to prune less than more. You can always remove more later if needed.
  • If you have a large panicle hydrangea tree, you may want to prune it over a few years to avoid shocking the plant.

Benefits of Pruning

Pruning a panicle hydrangea tree has several benefits, including:

  • Improved flowering: Pruning encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
  • Increased vigor: Pruning removes old and unproductive wood, which allows the plant to focus its energy on new growth.
  • Improved shape: Pruning helps to keep the tree looking neat and compact.
  • Reduced disease: Pruning removes diseased or damaged branches, which can help to prevent the spread of disease.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your panicle hydrangea tree looking its best for years to come.

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Gardening

Gardening Q&A: Get Expert Answers to Your Toughest Questions

by Gregory
written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Gardening Q&A with the Experts

Monthly Q&A – October 2022

Got a gardening question? Our experts are here to help! Each month, they answer a selection of your questions.

October Questions

  • How can I get my peat-free compost to hold water better?
  • My raspberry bushes got mixed up when I planted them. Can I prune them without knowing if they’re summer- or fall-fruiting?
  • Should I remove the large figs on my tree that are the right size but not ripening?
  • How can I get rid of fuchsia gall mite?
  • I bought some 9cm potted perennials on sale in the fall. Should I keep them in pots until spring or plant them in the garden now?

Expert Answers

Watch the video to see our experts answer these October questions and more.

Previous Month’s Questions

  • September: How to reuse old compost, use pot feet or saucers, care for a lawn after summer and crow pecking, revive dead wisteria shoots, and treat brown rot on plum trees.
  • August: How to revive dehydrated hydrangeas, what is loam in compost, control black spot on roses naturally, troubleshoot runner bean failures, and fix brassicas with no center.
  • July: Watering schedule for dahlias and sweet peas, treating powdery mildew, taking cuttings from leggy pinks, understanding why vegetable plants have all leaves and no fruit, and managing non-fruiting stems on summer-fruiting raspberries.

Submit Your Question

Got a gardening question? Submit it in our next email newsletter! Please note, you will not receive an individual response.

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Flower Gardening

Late Summer Blooming Hydrangeas: Extend Your Garden’s Beauty

by Gregory
written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Late-Blooming Hydrangeas: A Guide to Stunning Summer Blooms

Hydrangeas are beloved shrubs that add a splash of color to any garden, and late-blooming varieties extend their beauty well into the summer months. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular and easy-to-grow late summer blooming hydrangeas:

Bobo: A Compact Charmer for Small Spaces

For those with limited space, the Bobo hydrangea is an excellent choice. This dwarf variety produces an abundance of large, white blooms that gradually fade to soft pink as the season progresses. As a paniculata type, Bobo reliably produces flowers on new growth each year.

Let’s Party: A Showstopper with Color-Changing Blooms

Get ready for a party in your garden with the Let’s Party hydrangea! This macrophylla variety boasts massive mophead flowers that open in mid-summer, displaying a captivating blend of green and pink hues. As the blooms mature, they transform into brilliant shades of true pink. Keep in mind that the flower color may vary slightly depending on the pH level of your soil.

Limelight: A Towering Giant with Long-Lasting Blooms

If you’re looking for a stately presence in your garden, the Limelight hydrangea is a top contender. This paniculata variety reaches up to 8 feet tall and produces large, green-white flower spikes that stand upright on sturdy stems. As the flowers age, they gradually fade to shades of pink and red, providing a vibrant display that lasts for weeks.

Tardiva: A Late-Blooming Beauty with Unique Lace-Like Blooms

Among the longest blooming hydrangeas, Tardiva stands out with its distinctive, lace-like flower clusters. This large specimen is perfect as an accent plant or in foundation plantings, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. Its blooms frequently persist into early fall, extending the season of color.

Tuff Stuff: A Resilient Variety with Vibrant Pink Blooms

For gardeners who value low-maintenance plants, Tuff Stuff hydrangeas are a great choice. This variety produces an abundance of vibrant pink blooms that rebloom throughout the growing season, ensuring a continuous display of color until the first frost. Like some other hydrangeas, the flower color may shift slightly based on soil conditions.

Tips for Growing Late Summer Blooming Hydrangeas

To ensure your late-blooming hydrangeas thrive and produce an abundance of beautiful blooms, follow these tips:

  • Choose the right location: Hydrangeas prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, with protection from the hot afternoon sun.
  • Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Fertilize: Feed your hydrangeas with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer.
  • Prune correctly: Prune spent blooms in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and flowering.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

  • Wilting leaves: This can indicate underwatering or root rot. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.
  • Brown leaf edges: This may be a sign of sunburn or nutrient deficiency. Provide afternoon shade or fertilize your hydrangeas.
  • Lack of blooms: Insufficient sunlight, improper pruning, or nutrient deficiencies can prevent blooming. Ensure your hydrangeas receive enough light and nutrients, and prune them correctly.

Don’t let the end of summer blues get you down! With these late summer blooming hydrangeas, you can extend the beauty and color in your garden well into the fall. Choose the varieties that best suit your space and preferences, and enjoy the vibrant blooms that will brighten your landscape for weeks to come.

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Gardening

Expert Gardening Advice: Adam Frost Answers Your Questions

by Donna
written by Donna 4 minutes read

Adam Frost Answers Your Gardening Queries

Introduction

Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Join us as we delve into the world of gardening with expert advice from Adam Frost himself. In this comprehensive article, Adam tackles a variety of gardening conundrums, providing insightful tips and guidance for gardeners of all levels.

Planting Ornamental Grass

Question: I live in the Scottish Highlands and want to add some ornamental grass to my garden. Can you recommend some varieties that will thrive in my climate?

Adam’s Answer:

For your Scottish garden, consider planting Deschampsia, which grows up to a meter tall and remains strong throughout the winter. Molinia is another option, although it may collapse during the winter, but it will provide a stunning late-season display. For lower-growing grass, Hakonechloa prefers shady conditions, while Melica is a versatile choice.

Reviving Snowdrops

Question: My double-flowering snowdrops don’t seem to bloom the following year. What am I doing wrong?

Adam’s Answer:

To ensure snowdrops bloom year after year, it’s best to buy them as bulbs and containerize them before planting them out. Avoid disturbing them once they are in the ground, and simply label them for future reference. If you’re growing them in pots, repot them annually.

Managing Wildflowers

Question: How can I remove invasive plants like nettles, teasels, and buttercups from my wildflower garden?

Adam’s Answer:

Instead of removing these plants entirely, consider managing their growth to maintain a diverse wildflower area. Use a fork or trowel to tease out the stronger plants and sow weaker species in their place to fill the gaps. This approach helps prevent monocultures and promotes a healthy ecosystem.

Propagating Hydrangeas

Question: I’m struggling to propagate hydrangeas from cuttings. They start well but then die before developing roots. What am I doing wrong?

Adam’s Answer:

For successful hydrangea cuttings, take tip cuttings in July or August. Cut just below two leaf joints (nodes) and remove any large leaves at the top. Use a mixture of 50% grit and 50% peat-free compost, and plant three cuttings around the edge of a one-liter pot. Water well and keep the cuttings moist but not overly wet.

Pruning Peach Trees

Question: When and how should I prune my two-year-old peach tree?

Adam’s Answer:

Prune peach trees after harvesting the fruit, typically in mid to late August. Focus on reducing new growth to a few buds, leaving two to four buds per stem. This will promote healthy growth and fruiting for the next season.

Ask the Experts

As a Premium member, you have the exclusive opportunity to submit your gardening questions to our horticultural experts each month. They will select a variety of questions to answer and share their advice at the end of the month.

More from Adam Frost

  • Take a peek inside Adam’s garden for an exclusive tour.
  • Discover five gardening practices Adam plans to change in 2024.
  • Listen to Adam Frost’s podcast, “A Year in My Garden,” for more gardening insights.
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Plant Care

Hydrangea Winter Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Protect Your Plants

by Donna
written by Donna 3 minutes read

Hydrangeas: A Comprehensive Guide to Winter Care

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, they require proper winter care to ensure they thrive and produce abundant blooms the following summer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you protect your hydrangeas during the cold winter months.

Preparing Your Hydrangeas for Winter

Before the first frost hits, it’s essential to prepare your hydrangeas for winter. Here are some key steps:

  • Prune: Remove any dead, weak, or diseased branches. Cut back the old wood at the base of the plant to encourage new growth in the spring. Avoid cutting healthy wood, as this is where your hydrangeas will bloom next year.

  • Protect In-Ground Hydrangeas: Build a frame around the plant using stakes and wrap chicken wire around it to form a cage. Fill the cage with pine needles or leaves to insulate the plant. Oak leaves are a good choice because they don’t settle as easily. Keep a bag of leaves from your fall leaf raking to replenish the insulation as needed.

  • Protect Potted Hydrangeas: The best way to protect potted hydrangeas is to bring them indoors before the first frost. If they’re too large to move, you can cover the entire pot and plant with foam insulation.

Maintaining Hydrangeas in Winter

Once your hydrangeas are protected, there are a few things you can do to maintain them throughout the winter:

  • Check Insulation: Regularly check the insulation around your in-ground hydrangeas and add more as needed. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the potted hydrangeas and ensure they’re still covered.

  • Water Sparingly: Water your hydrangeas sparingly during the winter, especially if they’re in a protected environment like a greenhouse or garage. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

  • Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. If you notice anything unusual, treat it promptly to prevent further damage.

Spring Care for Hydrangeas

Once the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to start preparing your hydrangeas for spring. Here are a few things to do:

  • Remove Winter Protection: Gradually remove the insulation and covering from your hydrangeas over a few days to acclimate them to the warmer temperatures.

  • Fertilize: Fertilize your hydrangeas with a balanced fertilizer to give them a boost of nutrients for the growing season.

  • Prune Again: If you didn’t prune your hydrangeas in the fall, you can do it now. Remove any remaining dead or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired.

Tips for Optimal Winter Protection

  • Use plenty of insulation to protect your hydrangeas from the cold.
  • Check the insulation regularly and replenish it as needed.
  • Water your hydrangeas sparingly during the winter.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases and treat them promptly.
  • Gradually remove winter protection in the spring to acclimate your hydrangeas to the warmer temperatures.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your hydrangeas survive the winter and thrive in the spring, providing you with beautiful blooms all summer long.

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Hydrangeas

How to Deadhead Hydrangeas: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Gregory
written by Gregory 2 minutes read

How to Deadhead Hydrangeas

What is Deadheading?

Deadheading is removing spent blooms from plants to encourage new growth and flowering. For hydrangeas, deadheading is not crucial, but it can help improve the plant’s appearance and encourage larger blooms next year.

When to Deadhead Hydrangeas

The best time to deadhead hydrangeas depends on the type of hydrangea you have:

  • Mophead hydrangeas: Leave the dead flowerheads on the plant over winter to protect the growth buds from frost. Remove them in spring.
  • Lacecap hydrangeas: Deadhead spent blooms as soon as they fade, but no later than early August.

How to Deadhead Hydrangeas

To deadhead hydrangeas, follow these steps:

  1. Use clean, sharp secateurs.
  2. Identify the flowerhead you want to remove.
  3. Travel down the stem, away from the flower, to the next pair of leaves.
  4. Make a clean cut directly above the pair of leaves.
  5. Repeat for all spent blooms.

Benefits of Deadheading Hydrangeas

Deadheading hydrangeas can provide several benefits, including:

  • Improved appearance of the plant
  • Encouragement of larger blooms next year
  • Prevention of seed production, which can divert energy from flower production

Conclusion

Deadheading hydrangeas is a simple task that can help improve the health and appearance of your plants. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily deadhead your hydrangeas and enjoy beautiful blooms year after year.

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