Hydrangea help?

I planted two hydrangeas in May of 2007. I am aware these plants are difficult to grow because of soil issues and such. I planted them in an area that receives about 6 hours of sun a day (not quite partial shade, but very close). The plants did well, but if I don't water them every 2 days, the leaves will sag and look floppy. But, after I water them, they pop right back up and look great. The card said bloom time is summer, but they haven't bloomed since mid-June. Can anyone give me some useful info on them? I read one website that said they would tolerate full sun. Will I have to water them next year as I do now since they will be established? The type is endless summer or blushing bride. Thanks.

Hydrangea help?
It takes time for the plants to settle in your yard and started to grow. Mine took at least 1 to 2 years. Perhaps, your plants is done blooming for this year, because it is still small, so go ahead and do the deadheading(take the spent flowers off), but make sure you won't cut too deep. Hydrangea produce their new buds on the old cane, so cutting it off means there will be no flowers next year. Just cut the point below the flower %26amp; stem where next leaf buds are coming out(Don't cut the leaf bud.). It could take full sun, if it is well established in the soil, but it doesn't mean that you can water less. Hydrangea loves to drink water! You know? Hydro=means water, right? The ideal location is part-shade, but adding mulch around the plants helps. Water deeply and mulch around it and it'll keeps moisture under ground. I love hydrangeas. I have several of them and propagation is so easy from a small cutting. You said that it is difficult to grow, but it's really not that hard. Water well and give them a good acid food(like Miracle grow for acid loving plants) will be enough care.
Reply:Hi:


Hydrangeas need partial shade. If you planted the shrub in mid- June it could be going through a shock stage. It could also need a little more shade. When you planted Hydrangea, did you use mushroom compost or any type of fertilizer like a 10-10-10? Mushroom compost is an organic fertilizer that will last up to a year.


Watering is critical in the beginning. Your climate conditions will also play a role in how much you should water. If you are in drought conditions, watering the first month is important.


Putting a hose near the trunk of the shrub and using just a little water pressure may help. This should be done every other day in hot weather for about two weeks. Soak the roots for three to four minutes. Sometimes depending on the age of a shrub, it may not bloom the first year.


The Endless Summer or Blushing Bride can be tricky in soil conditions. Sometimes it is best to have your soil tested if you are investing in Hydrangeas. I have planted several Endless Summer Hydrangeas for peolple and the bloom turned pink. As you know, it is suppose to be blue. Don't give up on this shrub as it may just take until next year to bloom. Try and get on a watering schedule with your climate conditions. If it doesn't seem better in a week take a look at factors of soil, more shade, mushroom compost and drought and heat.


It is alright to transplant the shrub to another location in the next few weeks if there is no improvement. If you have any more questions please feel free to contact me. I hope this has helped some. Good luck to you and let me know how you make out!


Kimberly


http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:I actually did the same thing, I planetd 2 plants in May. However I found that burying a "soaker hose" and running it around each plant worked very well. I hooked it up to a timer and it goes on for about 5 minutes twice a day to keep the soil moist. They are both blooming and have been for a couple of months. The soil isn't particularly fertile either. every week or so I water with miracle grow bloom booster.
Reply:Go to a store such as Wal Mart's gardening center and buy pound-in liners. Very easy to pound into the ground. Make a circle around your plants with the liners for holding about 4 to 6 inches of water.





If you live in the hot south such as zone 8 or 9, you might have to water them once per day. Each leaf on a plant takes up water in order to live.





Happy gardening to you.
Reply:If you just planted them in may 2007. I assume they are small plants. Keep them well watered until they establish good root growth, probably the rest of this year, and maybe some next year, Hydrangeas take several years to reach full growth potential. After they quit blooming, you can prune no more than 1/3 of it`s growth at a time. Deadhead (remove dying flowers) to prolong flowering.
Reply:Yes..........they are thirsty plants.





I had to move mine that gave them a partial sun exposure and are planted right near the daily sprinkler system.