hydrangea question

[mtemm]

we moved into our new house last fall, and it has an extensive garden. I'm not sure what to do about the hydrangeas. The heads/stalks from last year are still there. Do I deadhead? cut the stalks? do I leave them alone? fertilize?

TIA!

 

[dandave]

Hi! My mother is in SC, and I know that she cuts her hydrangeas back very short after the cold weather gets to them. They always are beautiful in the Spring.

I found the following article from a Mass. newspaper, and I hopes it helps you:

http://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20031028/LI_003.htm

Good luck to you!

 

[amid chaos]

I was always told to dead head the stalks after new growth can be seen. just cut the ones without new growth.

 

[marlasmom]

Welcome to the Flower & Garden Forum. You will find lots of good advice and good friends here. (Sorry I know nothing about hydrangeas.)

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome , mtemm!

Congrats on your new home! I've often thought that it would be a wonderful gesture to leave a "garden plan" for new home owners, detailing what's planted where, the age of the plants, etc. Not that I'd ever get around to doing it for someone if I was moving, but it would be helpful!

I just planted my first 2 hydrangeas last year, so they're an experiment to me. I do have a climbing hydrangea, that I've had for several years, though.

The following link is my favourite for hydrangeas, and the pics are gorgeous, and helpful, if you've trying to figure out what kind yours are. There is a section on pruning in the Hints & Tips, and another link with diagrams on making the cuts.

Hydrangea hints & tips!

I hope that everyone's suggestions and links, help you out. Keep us posted, okay!

 

[mtemm]

thanks!!! I'm sure I'll have a multitude of questions in the near future. seriously, its a lovely garden that I am so afraid of killing. hopefully it will be a learning experience.

 

[mcnuss]

Mine have not bloomed for 2 years. I am hoping this year will be the charm, or I am ripping the suckers out. The only good thing about them is that the nice foliage provides a good backdrop for my perennial bed!