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Re: Oakleaf hydrangea & others

> I have enjoyed reading the questions and answers for about a month now.
> I have also been very busy reading gardening books and catalogs.
> Recently, my husband and I moved from a sunny yard to a shaded yard
> (many oaks and hickory trees).  We are in zone 7.  We are in the process
> of re-landscaping (hence, all the reading). What my questions are:
> 1)  What is the growth rate of an oakleaf hydrangea?  We are purchasing
> 4-3 gallon shrubs (approx 2-3 ft across) for foundation plantings.

Hi Jennifer,

   Like most hydrangeas, it's a fairly quick growing species.  They 
   do tend to get large (4-6' high), so you may be getting more than
   you bargained for as a foundation plant.

   If you need to prune these, do it AFTER flowering, because they
   flower on old growth.

> 2)  While the shrubs are growing, what would make a good companion plant
> (both beside and under the shrubs)?  I was thinking of ornamental
> grasses.

   I'm partial to Fothergilla gardenii (dwarf fothergilla) myself, because
   they have just cute flowers, low growth habit, and excellent fall
   color.  Their diminuitive size would contrast with the much coarser
   hydrangeas nicely.

> 3)  How well does spiraea van houtti do in the shade?

   It does well, but may become leggy near the base.  Also expect reduced
   flowering.  If it's being planted as a screen, it should work just
   fine.

> 4)  The previous owners cut down a tree that was growing wisteria in a
> corner of the lot and now the wisteria is everywhere (on the ground,
> chainlink).  Any suggestions as to what to do with it?

   If you want to keep it, pick two or three healthy looking shoots next
   spring and cut everything else off.  Those shoots will grow rapidly,
   and can be trained to grow onto a trellis or other supporting structure. 

   If you do build a trellis, make sure that it's very solid.  Wisterias
   are strong plants, and will tear apart a weak frame in no time.

Chris
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