Deciduous Flowering Shrubs - Part 5

even though it's "young" old wood. The next year two side shoots form and flower and then produce side shoots, etc. After a stem has made fifteen to twenty flowers in this way, it should be pruned off at the ground to make room for younger stems. If you don't do this, eventually the older stems die and turn white and ultimately break off and fall to the ground. However, in the interim, they clog the center of the plant and are, in my view, unsightly.

I have read conflicting opinions about leaving the old flower heads on the plants over winter. I tend to do this on the theory (shared by a number of resources) that they help protect the flower buds. However some feel that this is a waste of time, since they are often shattered and blown off by winter winds. In my view, it's best to leave them, since any protection of flower buds is better than none where late spring frosts are concerned. Nip them off just above the first two live buds below them after danger of hard frost is past.

Drying Flower Heads

If you want heads for dry flowers, cut them when they are mature - just as they are about to start changing color. If you cut flowers too young, they will simply shrivel up in the vase. Put the cut stems in a container with about a half inch of water in it. By the time the water dries up the flower heads will be dry, too.

You can cut sufficient stem with the head to fit in a vase, but don't take any more than you absolutely have to or you will reduce your next year's flower show from those plants that bloom on old wood.

You can also tie bunches of stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, airy place to dry. But, I enjoy them as cut flowers, so prefer that method.

Next time, more hydrangea species plus how to propagate them. See ya' later!

More Information

• For your enjoyment, more hydrangea photos on the web:
  • Hydrangea scandens BSWJ5893
  • Hydrangea scandens chinensis and another:
    
  • Hydrangea scandens subsp. chinensis
  • Hydrangea serrata
  • Hydrangea sikokiana BSWJ5601
• Online Nurseries with extensive hydrangea listings:
  • Country Gardens
  • The Crownsville Nursery
  • Crûg Farm Plants - UK on site purchases only; however an incredible list of plants with good
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