Re: [CHAT] ..now hydrangeas

Kathy,
Personally I'm somewhat new to hydrangeas.  Killed a tiny Hydrangea macrophylla `Tricolor' years back then got my first real one 2yrs ago, H. mac. 'Lilacina' (bloomed for months last year).  I discovered the story behind 'Hobella' only while searching for a source.

Other folks on this list will have more experience with hydrangeas, but they will mostly live south of you.  I'm in Zone 5a, so any experience our Display Gardens or I have had might be of more benefit to you.  I'll tell you some of the things I've found out in recent years.

Around here (Ft. Wayne, IN) when you mention Hydrangeas, people only think of Mopheads, big globose flowerheads.  I prefer Lacecaps, because they are daintier and not weighed down.  Most Mopheads and Lacecaps you come across will be macrophylla (mac) or serrata (ser) cultivars.  And sometimes mac or ser will be unclear because the cultivar might be from a time when serratas were considered part of the macrophyllas, so it's possible to see it listed either way.  Generally, by today's naming, I have found most macs are a tad heartier than most sers, but both are worth a try.  Last year I bought Hydrangea serrata bBluebird', as it is already doing well in our Display Gardens.  

But macs and sers aren't the end of the story.  Your bAnnabelle' is neither; she is an arborescens and hardy to Z4.  She's tough and full of vitality and easy to grow so of course she's often suggested.  But I find her too blousy for my taste.  You don't come across too many other arborescens cultivars, though you could try the species which is a lacecap (I think) - I'm not sure of Annabelle's lineage.  Then there is H. quercifolia, Oakleaf H.  I just got one of those last year too - hope it makes it through this rough winter.  The flowers are beautiful, but it's the leaves that are to die for.  I've seen it listed hardy to Z4, but not all references agree.  I think it requires other considerations like humidity. I think Dirr wrote something extensive on its requirements - will have to look for it.

Oakleaf Hydrangea is a species that has flowers in panicles like the species H. paniculata (pan).  These are also hardy to Z4 and there are quite a few cultivars to choose from.  Our CES hort educator strongly suggests Panicle Hydrangeas in our area.   We (MGs) grew H. pan bPink Diamond' for sale last year and they were very vigorous.  H. pan bTardiva' is another strong grower that is readily available.  You may also have seen Tree Hydrangeas.  This is usually H. paniculata bGrandiflora', sometimes called the Pee Gee (p.g. = pan gran) - this too is hardy to Z4.  Other panicle Hydrangeas can be trained into tree forms, too, to as much as 10-15 ft in height.

 Another species, H. aspera (lacecaps), has a few readily available cultivars and H. aspera bSargentii' can grow to 10ft+ and is hardy to Z4, but H. aspera grandiflora bVillosa' is rated only to Z6 - with extra protection, though, I'm sure it could be grown to Z5.  Don't forget  Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, the Climbing Hydrangea, it is also hardy to Z4.  

The important thing to consider is how to grow them.  I have a long list of cultivars that have been growing in our Terrace Garden on the CES property very successfully for several years now - I'll try to remember to post it when I get home.  This Terrace is a very protected site, but with a reasonable amount of sunshine.  bAnnabelle' has been a little "too happy" there.  She got so huge we recently dug her out, potted up 20 divisions, and put a healthy-sized portion back in the hole.

For helpfull culture info go to:
Hydrangeas Plus growing tips:
http://www.hydrangeasplus.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hints.html?E+scstore

Also check out their entire site for gorgeous varieties.  Greer Gardens also has a large selection of hydrangeas and they send good qulaity shrubs.  Interestingly, though, I have recently found some special varieties, some even quite rare, at my local Lowe's - a 3gal pot for $17. 

Another helpful article I found discusses hydrangeas best suited for Minnesota.  If they grow well in MN, surely they'll do well in Z5b!  Go to:
Hydrangeas hardy in Minnesota:
http://www.bachmans.com/retail/tipsheets/woodies/HardyHydrangeas.cfm

So, you see, there's more than bAnnabelle' out there.  She's just the safe choice.  If you're willing to adjust for a plant's requirements just a little, you can grow a whole lot more of these lovely shrubs in Zone 5b.  H. mac bNikko Blue' shouldn't be too difficult for you, perhaps all you need do is find a more protected spot or make adjustments to the soil.  You make Nikko happy; he'll make you happy.

Kitty

-------Original Message-------
From: Cornergar@aol.com
Sent: 02/26/03 12:20 PM
To: gardenchat@hort.net, perennials@hort.net
Subject: Re: [CHAT] lavendula officinalis ..now hydrangeas

> 
> Kitty, It sounds as tho you have educated yourself re hydrangeas. I had not 

read about the Hovaria types. In an article by Ann wilson in Garden Design 

she quotes th e Morton Arboretum as saying the macrophylla and serrata 
varieties are unreliable bloomers. Would you agree ? When Floyd Giles 
addressed our MG class back in '94 he told us 'Annabelle' was the only one 

worth growing in our area. So that's the one I recommend to clients.
However 
the man was so opinionated about other things that I am doubtful. Also he
was 
associated with U of I and 'Annabelle' was evidently developed there. I 
planted  a couple 'Nikko' types here some time ago and they are limping 
along. As you can tell I am unsure every time the question of hydrangeas 
comes up. Would love to know what varieties do well in this
area..especially 
ones that do well in landscaping the average yard..not too lanky, nice 
foliage, reliable bloomer, doesn't require special pruning, special
feeding, 
etc. Kathyz5b

If you have weeds, you don't have enough plants.

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