Hydrangeas: Beautiful, Pest-Resistant, and Disease-Resistant!
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Hydrangeas are beautiful, colorful flowering plants that are pest resistant and disease resistant. They make beautiful dried flower arrangements, and come in many different varieties. You will need to know the hydrangea selections that will do well in your particular zone. The Plant Hardiness Zone Map and your local nursery or the knowledgeable gardeners in your area can help you determine the best varieties for your specific locale. Some of the very cold hardy varieties are the Annabelle and the Paniculatas. All hydrangeas are partial to the morning sun and afternoon shade
The Hills of Snow (Grandiflora) Hydrangea This variety yields blossoms abundantly on new growth, so prune it to the ground line unless you are aiming for a larger shrub. In that scenario, prune some branches to the ground, and some at different heights of from one to three feet. The Hills of Snow is also a hardy variety. It is best planted in neutral to acidic soil. In cooler climates, the blossoms may last up to two months longer. To propagate, sow the seeds in the spring in a cold frame setting. If you want softwood cuttings, take in early summer. For hardwood cuttings, take in the winter. Oakleaf Hydrangea This is a variety grown for its striking oakleaf-like foliage, with beautiful fall colors and blooms. It likes light shade. Remove dead wood in the early spring. Oakleaf Hydrangeas do not grow fast until the root system is established. If you want to keep it as a compact shrub, you will need to prune it well every two or three years. If you are impatient for blooms, start with at least a two-foot plant with a lot of roots. The Oakleaf Hydrangea’s behavior varies with the zone and the condition of your garden. Be careful with overwatering this variety of Hydrangea. It will rot on you before you know it. The Pea Gee Hydrangea (a Paniculata) This hydrangea blooms on new growth of the season. It is a hardy (up to zone 3), drought-tolerant, rapid growth variety. Do not slacken on pruning. It can be pruned anytime before the new blooms set, but it is best in the late winter or early spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, and also tolerates clay. From mid to late summer, it gives you big white flowers that slowly turn to pink. The blooms will remain on the plant in a half dried condition a long time after the leaves are gone. Provide space for new branches by pruning or thinning last season’s growth. The hydrangea is beautiful, and is available in many different varieties. It has no serious pest or disease problems. Remember to check your zone before you make your selection. You are looking at factors like lowest and highest temperatures, rainfall, timing of frosts, etc. Enjoy your hydrangeas!
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