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Re: [SG] What about hydrangeas? (Was: Cutting back perennieals)

Um,  Clyde, where I garden, Hydrangeas are a marvelous shrub for shade and
will not grow well in full sun, and thus are a fitting topic for a
"Shadegarden" list.  Pity you don't like them or perhaps are unable to grow
them well in your zone.  Most are best grown in warmer zones, I think.

Just as a "for instance", Hydrangea quercifolia is a lovely plant the year
around - the exfoliating bark gives winter interest; the unfolding leaves
are an incredible fuzzy white; their fall color furnishes shades of wine
and maroon - and that doesn't even count the flowers, which are huge cones
of white when freshly in bloom that fade to shades of wine.   Indeed, I
believe Dirr has recommended growing them as a foliage plant where it is
too cold for them to bloom with regularity.

As for weigela, perhaps you haven't tried Weigela 'Foliis Purpureis'.  The
purple cast to the foliage works quite well in schemes where that color is
used and provides a good foil for the pink flowers.  It also does quit well
in partial shade in my zone.  I was just enjoying the foliage the other day
on one of mine.  It still looks good and fresh, despite the hideous drought
we've had this year.

Differn't strokes for differn't folks in plants as in life - but no reason
to knock something just because *you* don't find it appealing or cannot
grow it well.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Clyde Crockett <CCREDUX@AOL.COM>
> Date: Tuesday, October 06, 1998 1:53 AM
>
> In a message dated 10/6/1998 12:39:28 AM Central Daylight Time,
> mtalt@CLARK.NET writes:
>
> <<
>  Now, who does what? >>
>
**************************************************************************
>
> Marge,
> I thought we we were on a shadegarden list. I do not grow hydrangeas.
Even if
> I had some sun to grow them, I wouldn't. I find them extremely beautiful
for
> about two weeks out of the  year. They are somewhat like the
weigelas--take up
> a lot of room , but not worth it.
>
> Clyde Crockett z5
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