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#274964 - 04/17/09 04:41 PM Hydrangea and Spirea questions
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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.... _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#274967 - 04/17/09 04:45 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
Joclyn Joclyn Deep Purple Dream Gardener Registered: 07/18/05 Posts: 2465 Loc: philly	you should never trim back a nico - they bloom on last years wood, so, any trimming would remove the buds that set last summer. since you did take some of that off, i doubt you'll be getting flowers this year. or, not that many if you do get some. spirea i've never trimmed back - not sure which one i have though (other than it's a dwarf variety). _________________________ zone 6b
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#274974 - 04/17/09 05:41 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Joclyn]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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 _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#274982 - 04/17/09 05:56 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
kennyso kennyso The Man Dream Gardener Registered: 05/15/06 Posts: 3536 Loc: Ontario, Canada	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 _________________________ Helping the world one seed at a time *When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.* Mary Ann LaPensee
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#275010 - 04/17/09 06:46 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: kennyso]
Bestofour Bestofour Patriot Garden Helper Registered: 08/10/03 Posts: 14140 Loc: Monroe, NC	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 _________________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/bestofour
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#275022 - 04/17/09 06:55 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Bestofour]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	sheri thanks..and Kenny thanks to you too _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#275420 - 04/19/09 11:35 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
claregirl claregirl Member Registered: 06/20/07 Posts: 40 Loc: Newtown, CT Zone 6a	Hi, I found this online about your spirea: http://www.daytonnursery.com/Encyclopedia/Perennials/Caryopteris.htm Edited by claregirl (04/19/09 11:35 AM) _________________________ Laughter is wine for the soul - Sean O'Casey
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#275424 - 04/19/09 11:40 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: claregirl]
Bestofour Bestofour Patriot Garden Helper Registered: 08/10/03 Posts: 14140 Loc: Monroe, NC	that blue is so pretty. Would like to have one. _________________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/bestofour
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#278901 - 05/06/09 07:13 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: claregirl]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	Originally Posted By: claregirl Hi, I found this online about your spirea: http://www.daytonnursery.com/Encyclopedia/Perennials/Caryopteris.htm 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. _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#286722 - 06/22/09 05:01 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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. _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#286728 - 06/22/09 06:58 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
Bestofour Bestofour Patriot Garden Helper Registered: 08/10/03 Posts: 14140 Loc: Monroe, NC	shoot. I was looking forward to seeing that all grown up. That blue spirea is so pretty. _________________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/bestofour
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#286939 - 06/23/09 07:06 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Bestofour]
Joclyn Joclyn Deep Purple Dream Gardener Registered: 07/18/05 Posts: 2465 Loc: philly	my new neighbor asked the other neighbor (on the other side of her) to take out some weeds and poison ivy from around the bush in front. without my permission, or my knowledge (i wasn't home at the time), the IDIOT took off HALF of MY spirea - just getting ready to bloom AND AND took away half of the stalks of the hydrangea. ALMOST ALL OF the ones with the BUDS on them. AND he took out three plants that were BEHIND the hydrangea AND took out the mums that were in front of the spirea. this was the first year the spirea was doing really well since i transplanted it when it was half dead (was given to me) and the same with the hydrangea - it was SO full and had over 2 dozen buds. i have only 5 flowerheads now. _________________________ zone 6b
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#286946 - 06/23/09 07:18 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Joclyn]
Bestofour Bestofour Patriot Garden Helper Registered: 08/10/03 Posts: 14140 Loc: Monroe, NC	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! _________________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/bestofour
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#287071 - 06/24/09 06:34 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Bestofour]
Joclyn Joclyn Deep Purple Dream Gardener Registered: 07/18/05 Posts: 2465 Loc: philly	and to add to it, i just found, tonight, that he pulled up the hyacinths i'd just planted last fall! omg, i am so p-o'd!! one of them had seeds forming too!!!! i don't know if he pulled up all of them or just two...i got attacked by an angry papabird and couldn't really look - and couldn't go back because papabird was standing watch - VIGILANTLY!!! seems he and the missus decided the bush that's right there was a prime location for a home... _________________________ zone 6b
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#287073 - 06/24/09 06:57 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Joclyn]
dodge dodge Hot Rod Garden Helper Registered: 10/06/05 Posts: 17566 Loc: Rural - Western Pennsylvania	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 _________________________ PS... My horse isn't here, this is my Nitemare..
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#287122 - 06/25/09 11:45 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: dodge]
peppereater peppereater Dr. Pepper Dream Gardener Registered: 04/23/05 Posts: 3059 Loc: pink, ok	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. _________________________ dave
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#287130 - 06/25/09 12:59 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: peppereater]
Joclyn Joclyn Deep Purple Dream Gardener Registered: 07/18/05 Posts: 2465 Loc: philly	this guy didn't do a pruning. he chopped the spirea - what WAS about 2 feet tall is now no higher than 6-7 inches (and that's only two stems/stalks. all the rest are barely 5 inches). as for the hydrangea - as i said, he took off almost ALL of the stalks with buds on them. so, no pretty flowers for me this year. on the way to work today, i saw some shasta daisies...i have some and don't remember seeing them the last time i mowed the lawn. have to double check when i go home. i think he may have pulled them out, too. and, yeah, if he won't reimburse me for the stuff he ruined, i will take him to court. _________________________ zone 6b
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#287133 - 06/25/09 01:10 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Joclyn]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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.--- _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#287178 - 06/25/09 06:17 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
Joclyn Joclyn Deep Purple Dream Gardener Registered: 07/18/05 Posts: 2465 Loc: philly	are you sure it died??? maybe it's just the new growth and the roots are still in good shape?? i had that happen with the other one, in the back yard, thought it was gone because any new spring growth wasn't all that great. i kept up watering the area though (it was pretty dry that year, so i needed to water) and it came back later in the season. junie, i was SO angry that i couldn't even yell at him. if i'd allowed myself to i may have throttled him... _________________________ zone 6b
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#287266 - 06/26/09 10:46 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Joclyn]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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. _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#287360 - 06/26/09 08:28 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
Joclyn Joclyn Deep Purple Dream Gardener Registered: 07/18/05 Posts: 2465 Loc: philly	has it been particularly hot lately, where you are? and dry, as well? that may just be why the hydrangea fell back. definitely keep up with regular watering - they really do like to be in pretty moist conditions and, if the soil is not like that too much to begin with, little or no rain added to extremely hot temps for a couple weeks will cause them to die back a bit. yes, definitely keep up with a good soaking every other day - water all around the plant, not just at the roots, and allow it to soak down for 15 minutes or so and then repeat. that's what i did and that one came back really nicely!! i did make it clear that he wasn't to ever touch any of my plants again. and i'll be talking to him this weekend about reimbursing me for the costs of replacing what he took out and/or chopped up. _________________________ zone 6b
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#287373 - 06/27/09 06:08 AM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: Joclyn]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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. Originally Posted By: Joclyn i did make it clear that he wasn't to ever touch any of my plants again. and i'll be talking to him this weekend about reimbursing me for the costs of replacing what he took out and/or chopped up.[/color] 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. _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#289136 - 07/10/09 07:04 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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----- _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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#289145 - 07/10/09 07:15 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: JunieGirl]
dodge dodge Hot Rod Garden Helper Registered: 10/06/05 Posts: 17566 Loc: Rural - Western Pennsylvania	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. _________________________ PS... My horse isn't here, this is my Nitemare..
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#289149 - 07/10/09 07:47 PM Re: Hydrangea and Spirea questions [Re: dodge]
JunieGirl JunieGirl Frogger Garden Helper Registered: 10/13/06 Posts: 23996 Loc: Worden, Illinois	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--- _________________________ .............................. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!!
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