A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Shrubs and Trees Hydrangea and Spirea questions

I want to be reminded if someone would:

I have a Nikko Blue Hydrangea--am I correct in assuming I do not cut it back this spring, because it flowers on old wood??--I did trim off the old flowering canes last year

and is it also true that I DO cut back my Blue Mist Spirea in the spring??

Thanks....

on some site or another it said to trim the spirea back---but I wanted to check...I can wait a few weeks to see if any of the Blue Mist is alive or not

about the Nikko--I read somewhere that one should trim off the old blooms---but unless it is dead, I will not trim off any this year, or ever--

thanks Jocyln

The spirea I have flowers on old wood (well the shoots from the old wood lead to a bloom). I've heard for all things that bloom on old wood, you prune only if it's ABSOLUTELY necessary in the spring, and prune to shape only AFTER the bloom. My spirea will keep on blooming if I deadhead, though smaller bloom clusters. I've never grown hydrangeas before so I really can't comment

I have a Nikko Blue and I cut off the dead wood and that's all.

I cut my spireas back after each bloom, for example this year it's bloomed 3 times already because of the weird weather, and I trim it each time. Then I will cut them way back at the end of the summer. I think trimming and pruning causes it to bloom more often.

this is last year


this year

sheri thanks..and Kenny thanks to you too

Hi,
I found this online about your spirea: http://www.daytonnursery.com/Encyclopedia/Perennials/Caryopteris.htm

that blue is so pretty. Would like to have one.

Clare--thanks so much I appreciate you doing that for me---

Sheri--yea I love the blue too--now if it would only bloom like it is supposed to.

Sadly The dogs in the area have kiiled off my spirea by using it too often as their "toilet".--it was growing so well too.

shoot. I was looking forward to seeing that all grown up. That blue spirea is so pretty.

oh my gosh. Did he throw them away or what? Why would he take on that task if he doesn't know a weed from a bud. You're right. Idiot!

I feel for you on that ..

Spiria

I just planted 3...........One is a peppermint stick spirea

Other 2 are Bridals Wreath ......They appear to be quite healthy so far.

Lots of the white around here this spring....Just looked so gorgous.

b

I'd file a lawsuit against the son of a bumlblebeach...tresspassing, maliciousness, whatever...
My experience is that hydrangea will bloom on new growth, some years they freeze clear to the ground....and many shrubs can be cut back immediately following the blossoming period, or at the first of new spring foliage, I've never seen fall or spring pruning inhibit flowering.

As to spirea, my observation is that pruning after flowering does not inhibit florescence the next year, it is a matter of timing, don't prune in September or later or you might inhibit blossoming next season.
Back to the hydrangea, prune if nescessary, prune dead wood, My beleif is that they are relatively forgiving.

Joclyn, I am so very sorry. You are a better person than I am, because I would still be yelling. I am so very sorry for you. Why was he in your front yard anyway??/

and as a side note my hydrangea has also died.---

I am SOOOO sorry for you Joclyn. I understand what you said, completely. is there someone you can complain to to make sure this does NOT happen again???

OK then I will NOT let DH mow over the hydrangea.
All the last year wood died off but it did look like it was coming back at the base--that has stopped--but I will water it for a bit and give it a chance--thanks for the advice.

Yes, Joclyn it has been VERY hot--well for here at this time of year--we have been having more or less July/August weather this last few weeks (in the very high 90's--never mind the heat index). I will keep it watered, but until now it has been getting plenty of rain so it getting dried out has not be a possibility.



I am glad that you had the opportunity to 'talk' to him. I also hope that you are able to get reimbursed for your plants.

only as an update, I will add that both my Hydrangea and Spirea are gone. AND my Black Lace Elderberry is not looking good---I never had trouble with pet urine at the farm. Oh well-----

Sorry to hear all this plant sadness this year....Like a common cold there.

My onions are playing tricks this year. No show on most of them.

yes it sure is. I am sorry about your onions

about me I think I will wait u ntil next spring and then buy myself a new bush for the front--cant think of the flower's name I want right now---it flowers eiother purple, orange or pink--depending on the variety you get---

I bought 2 spirea (wedding something) gurneys.. about a month ago.. It is doing beautiful.

I also buying at sales at Lowes.. Perennials for me ,sis, and her daughter.

b

my spirea was doing beautifully too---it was 3-1/2 ft tall just this year----if the dogs had of stayed away all would be well.

next year I will put tubs around whatever I plant---

That makes it more sad.......
Our dog is tied.....No harm there..

b

Just re-reading this, barb. If we had of done as I wanted, & fenced in the back yard, there would only be a few "visiting" dogs in my front yard. But alas, Rod has not and will not be fencing in the back yard.

I will see if I can find a hardy bush for the front.--and then as I say use some kind of plant guarde around them for a few years.

How about a Rhodendren?

THey always die for me an grow for others..
I managed to get another one off the inlaws estate . And hope it survived this winter.

They are gorgous in bloom. But mine always dies.

Good luck in it . i have to put protection around some so the cows don't get too close.

b

that is a possibility, Barb. Thanks for the idea.
However; I have always wanted an azalea bush.
one year, many years ago, Valarie gave me a small purple one. I unwisely put it in a concrete planter.--Of course it did not make it thru the next winter.

an older wiser me may try that again.