Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

Hydrangea, Big and Beautiful

By 250 News

A beautiful flowering shrub that can be seen growing in many local landscapes is the Hydrangea. Easily seen because of its abundant supply of large flowerheads that bloom for many weeks throughout the summer this showy flower is also used in fresh floral arrangements as well as dried. Often when hydrangea is mentioned we think of the large pink or blue flowered hydrangeas that are sold around Easter, but these are not hardy for our area. They make beautiful indoor plants and can be brought back into bloom by pruning them back and placing them in a cool room or garage where the temperature is just above freezing for the winter months. The trick is to make them go dormant just as they would if they had been planted outdoors in warmer climates. There are however, three varieties of hydrangeas that grow very well in our climate and these are readily available in the garden center.

The first variety is not hard to remember as it is called ‘P.G. Hydrangea’, (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’). One of the more popular varieties it grows 1.5 meters high and 1.5 meters wide. The cone shaped flowerheads are double and pink/white in color and make a nice contrast against the textured coarse green foliage. Another variety similar to P.G. Hydrangea is ‘Annabelle’ a ‘Smooth Hydrangea’ with 12 inch white globe-shaped flowers. What it makes it different is that it grows well in partial sun to shade whereas the others prefer full sun to partial shade. ‘White Dome’ is another 1.5-meter bush that has white lacy flowers, which are excellent for floral arrangements. If you are looking for something a little, different the ‘Limelight’ may be what you are looking for. The flowers are green and bloom from the beginning of August until a frost and make great dried flowers. It grows in full sun and grows 2 meters tall and 1.4 meters wide.

Hydrangeas are hardy and are not bothered by many pests or disease. They grow best in a fertile, moist, well-drained soil. They do not like drought conditions and when are too dry the leaves will droop meaning they need moisture. The only maintenance they need is pruning, which is done in the spring. The P.G. hydrangea, Limelight, and other Panicle types are pruned by removing any dead branch tips and every 2-3 years having the oldest stems removed to make room for new stems. For Smooth Hydrangeas such as Annabelle and White Dome they are cut back to 3-4 inches above ground level in early spring. When in bloom flowers may have to be staked if they become very heavy and can be left on the plant for added winter interest.

Jos

Jos Van Hage owns three Art Knapp's Garden Centres in Prince George
-Hart Highway
-Highway 97 South at the old Cariboo Highway
-Highway 16 West
Previous Story - Next Story



Return to Home