I have a Mophead Nikko Blue and I know I am not supposed to cut it back since it blooms on "old wood". So, I didn't but nothing is growing on the old wood, just new growth coming up from the bottom. It's kind of hard to see but there seem to be buds on the wood but nothing is happening. What am I doing wrong?
I know that is waht everything I have read says, clare, but mine has not ever grown back on the old wood either. and last year I still got blooms---if it were me, I would leave it go for another few weeks at least and then when you are positive the old wood is dead then cut it back.---if it is dead ther is really no choice.
I am thinking I have not properly over-wintered mine. all I did was put dead leaves on the base of the plant---I have read where some have put leaves or some other type of insulative material up quite a way on their bush----
but an expeert I am not....
hopefully someone else will come along with some suggestions for you.
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Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
I know that is waht everything I have read says, clare, but mine has not ever grown back on the old wood either. and last year I still got blooms---if it were me, I would leave it go for another few weeks at least and then when you are positive the old wood is dead then cut it back.---if it is dead ther is really no choice.
I am thinking I have not properly over-wintered mine. all I did was put dead leaves on the base of the plant---I have read where some have put leaves or some other type of insulative material up quite a way on their bush----
but an expeert I am not....
hopefully someone else will come along with some suggestions for you.
LOL You sound like me. Just muddeling along trying to do what everybody says but lost just the same. If nothing else JunieGirl, you made me feel better about not knowing what the heck I'm doing. Thanks.
I am in the south so my world is different but my plant looks like yours for a while and then when I'm sure nothing is going to grow on the old stalk I cut it off. But wait a while because you might be surprised. I never cut them back right after they bloom unless part of it is obviously dead. I wait until it starts turning green again and when I cut it back I break off a little at a time making sure it's not green.
WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO Guess what? I just checked it and some of the buds on the old wood are turning green. I guess I am just too impatient. But like you guys told me, I will wait and wait until I am sure. But now since I almost cut it back too soon, I'll probably wait until July. lol
Don't you like the look of the plant with the old wood. I sort of like that stark presentation that's one reason I leave it for so long. Wish you could show us a picture.
It doesn't look that much different than the picture I already showed. The buds are down near the middle, very close to all the other buds coming up from the center. If the other ones up at the top do anything, I will take another picture. No problem.
And yes, the Hydrangea looks kind of like a modern art sculpture.
Last edited by claregirl; May 8th, 2009 at 05:36 AM.
Well guys, here it is. What do you think? You can see some leaves are coming up from branches that are almost below ground. Should I cut off the dead branches or wait a little longer? This is my first Hydrangia and I so afraid that I will do something wrong.
it seems to be the normal thing for them to grow leaves from previous year growth that overwintered as well as put up new growth from the roots.
once you see the flower heads developing, is when it's safe to cut back anything that's not doing anything. even still, do short cuts so that you're sure you're only removing dead stuff.
clare, you have gotten good advice here. the only thing i'd add is that time is what makes them big. i had one about 3 ft across at the roots. tried to remove it, just gave up and enjoyed it.
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