Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is an upright, broad-rounded, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6 feet (less frequently to 8 feet) tall. It is a wonderful flowering shrub with multi-season interest. It is native to the Southeastern U.S. and tolerates hot, humid weather. Oakleaf hydrangeas aren’t quite as cold-hardy as other hydrangea species (USDA […]
Archive for the ‘Hydrangeas’ Category
Vintage Large-Growing Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on July 24th, 2023
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bees and other pollinators, Deciduous, Fall Garden Interest, Flower Arranging, Flowering, Flowering shrub, Fragrant, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, Large shrub, mulching, Native Plant, Native Plant, Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia), Planting tips, Privacy Screen, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (layering), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering hydrangeas, watering tips, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness 
Comments Off on Vintage Large-Growing Oakleaf HydrangeasMountain Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on July 9th, 2023
Mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata) look very much like big leaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla) except shrubs are smaller, more compact in growth habit with smaller flowers and leaves. They are native to the cool moist woodland valleys in Japan and Korea mountains. (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). These unique hydrangeas fare better in cool climates in zones 5 […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Aphids, Bacterial diseases, Bees and other pollinators, compact shrub, Container garden, Container growing, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, Mountain hydrangea (H. serrata), mulching, Non-native, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, winter hardiness, Winter Protection Comments Off on Mountain HydrangeasSix Mini-Shrubs For Small Gardens
Posted by Hugh on May 10th, 2023
Many green thumbers and veteran senior gardeners have opted to grow in small garden beds. Here are six (6) small flowering shrubs that add lots of seasonal color from early spring to late summer. All six are easy to maintain; check the easy-care info at the end. Plants can also be grown in 12 inches […]
Posted in acidic soil, Althea (Hibiscus), Attracting birds, Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Container garden, Container growing, container shrub, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flower arrangments, Flowering, Forsythia, Hummingbird, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, Lilac (Syringa), mulching, Native Plant, Native Plant, Non-native, Panicle hydrangea, Planting tips, Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Viburnums, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Six Mini-Shrubs For Small GardensBlue Flowering Shrubs
Posted by Hugh on March 1st, 2023
Most associate the color BLUE with the sky, the sea, and an endless horizon. Blue colors evoke feelings of tranquility, calm, and a peaceful state of mind. “Blue Skies” brings out happiness and smiles in people, particularly after consecutive days of dreary weather. Contrarily, a blue mood may elicit feelings of sadness and depression. The […]
Posted in acidic soil, Althea (Hibiscus), Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla), Blue mist (Caryopteris), Buddleia (Butterfly bush), Deciduous, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Hibiscus syriacus, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, Large shrub, Lavender (Lavandula), Lilac (Syringa), mulching, Native Plant, Native Plant, Non-native, Planting tips, Purchasing Plants, Rhododendrons, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Vitex (Chaste tree), watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Blue Flowering ShrubsMini Reblooming Smooth Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on July 31st, 2022
Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) generally grow 6 -7 feet high, and some wild forms upwards of 10 feet (USDA hardiness zones 3-9). The exceedingly popular Invincibelle® series grow 5-6 feet high. Three recently introduced mini-types (listed below) are perfect for a small garden or in a large container. Shrubs in the series reach full size in […]
Posted in acidic soil, Autumn flowering, Bees and other pollinators, compact shrub, compost, container shrub, deadheading, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Flower arrangments, Flowering, Fragrant, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, Native Plant, Native Plant, Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Mini Reblooming Smooth HydrangeasAdding Compact Summer Flowering Shrubs
Posted by Hugh on May 24th, 2022
Yes, to reduce annual garden maintenance some gardeners are switching to space-saving flowering shrubs. Patio gardeners are popping compact shrubs into containers such as spireas, hydrangeas, crape myrtles, chaste tree, weigelias, and buddleias. They’re looking to add color and reduce their maintenance workload. Numerous new [rose] varieties have been created that are relatively resistant to the […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Buddleia (Butterfly bush), Container garden, container shrub, Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia), Deciduous, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Hummingbird, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Planting tips, Purchasing Plants, Roses, Roses (Shrub type), Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spirea (Spiraea), Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Vitex (Chaste tree), Weigela Comments Off on Adding Compact Summer Flowering ShrubsFour Space-Saving Summer Blooming Shrubs
Posted by Hugh on April 21st, 2022
Miniaturation of many of our garden shrubs has been a trend for over 30 years. A common saying among gardeners has been they no making any more land making anymore or, in this case, garden planting space. In particular, urban gardeners continue to squeeze more color into limited spaces. Here are four flowering shrubs that […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bee Favorite, Bees and other pollinators, Breeding Plants, Buddleia (Butterfly bush), Butterflies, compact shrub, Container garden, Container growing, container shrub, Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia), Deciduous, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Flowering, Flowering shrub, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangeas, Landscape Construction, Landscape ideas, mulching, Native Plant, Non-native, Panicle hydrangea, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Spring flowering, Vitex (Chaste tree), watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Four Space-Saving Summer Blooming ShrubsThree Standout Panicle Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on April 6th, 2022
For over a decade the cultivar ‘Limelight’ has been among the best selling panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). It bears large greenish-white floral trusses on 6- 8 feet tall branches; beautiful for use as cut (fresh or dried) flowers. Here are three panicle hydrangeas that are also very popular. Vanilla Strawberry™ hydrangea […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting Butterflies, Bee Favorite, Bees and other pollinators, Container garden, container shrub, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flower arrangments, Flowering, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Panicle hydrangea, Planting tips, Propagation (layering), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Sand Dune Protection, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness Comments Off on Three Standout Panicle HydrangeasMore Cool Small Flowering Shrubs
Posted by Hugh on January 23rd, 2022
For many urban gardeners, landscape space is very limited. Here are several showy shrub choices along walkways and perennial border, and in deck and patio containers. Each year the list of dwarf shrubs continues to get longer. They are low maintenance, including very little annual pruning. Shrub Roses – like Drift™ and Flower Carpet™ roses- […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bee Favorite, Bumble bees, Butterflies, compact shrub, Container garden, Container growing, container shrub, Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia), Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fall Garden Interest, Flower arrangments, Flowering, Flowering shrub, Honey bees, Hummingbird, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, mulching, multi-flora rose, Native Plant, Native Plant, Ninebark, Non-native, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, rose rosette disease, shrub roses, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Trees & Shrubs, Vitex (Chaste tree), Weigela Comments Off on More Cool Small Flowering ShrubsTips On Overwintering Outdoor Containers
Posted by Hugh on October 21st, 2021
Containers filled with shrubs and perennials, doesn’t necessarily ensure their winter survival. Without adequate cold protection plants may succumb to cold injury—turning them into dead annuals. To over-winter perennials in containers, you need to know their root and shoot temperature hardiness. Often, plant hardiness ratings is listed on the label. Roots and shoots of several […]
Posted in Azaleas (evergreen), Blue mist (Caryopteris), Boxwood (Buxus), Buddleia (Butterfly bush), Cold tolerance, common boxwood, Container garden, Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia), Deciduous, Environmental issues, Evergreen, Fall Garden Interest, Hedges, Hydrangeas, Japanese yew, Landscape ideas, mulching, Perennials, Pruning, Repotting plants, Rhododendrons, root injury, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Sun scald, Transplant problem, Trees & Shrubs, watering evergreens, Winter blooming, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness, winter injury, Winter Protection, Yews (Taxus spp.) Comments Off on Tips On Overwintering Outdoor Containers
