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A bloom worth waiting for?



This is hydrangea 'Ayesha' which finally decided to bloom for me. I've only been waiting about 4 years! I've always wanted this hydrangea because it looks so unique and different from other mophead hydrangeas. The clusters of flowers are densely packed with sepals that are spoon-shaped. It is also described as being fragrant, but I haven't detected a strong scent. I first had this hydrangea planted in the secret garden area and decided to move it because it would not bloom. I transplanted it last year, again with no blooms but this year she seems to be coming out of her shy spell. Not prolific yet, this is only the second bloom but isn't it gorgeous?

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Anonymous said…
You're a very patient man. Four years a long wait for a flower. I hope you've done other things in the meantime.
July 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Phillip Oliver said…
LOL, it's not that bad when you have around 60 other hydrangeas that are blooming!
July 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Cosmo said…
So I haven't worked through all of your posts yet (my, I'm starting this late . . .)--where's your secret garden? Is it mostly shade? The hydrangea is beautiful, by the way--well worth waiting for. I've been nursing one I rescued from a landscaper at a friend's house for about three years, and it finally bloomed this summer. Not as exotic as yours, but I'm glad to see it come back!
July 10, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Les said…
I glad you didn't pull it up. It is one of my favorites and bloomed for me at a young age, and is now quited florific and very blue.
July 10, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Mr. McGregor's Daughter said…
That one is really different. Definitely worth the wait. It's hard know whether moving something will help it bloom or kill it. I'm glad this turned out well for you.
July 10, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Sweet Home and Garden Carolina said…
Good things come to those who wait :), Phillip. Love your "popcorn hydrangea " which is a most unusual variety of Macrophylla.

I see from the pink color that your soil is alkaline which Ayesha doesn't like and will not tolerate much of. Try adding some acidic soil amendments and when she turns blue you'll know she's got enough acid.
July 10, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Sheila said…
Very pretty! Worth the wait I'd say!
July 10, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Frances, said…
Hi Phillip, Ayesha is awesome and aren't you glad you moved her? I have moved every one of my hydrangeas to better soil and closer to the hose spigot. They all look better, although it was a set back in size. Best in the long haul though. I have seen mature Ayeshas in Charleston, they are so worth the wait.
July 10, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Lisa at Greenbow said…
I believe she was worth waiting for. Those cupped sepals are cute.
July 10, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Anonymous said…
Very lovely and worth the wait.

Jan
Always Growing
July 10, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Philip Bewley said…
Just Beautiful ,Phillip.AND you have 60 other hydrangeas! And a spectacular Southern garden. It is always a pleasure to to see a plant blooming when it is special and you have had to wait.
Well, it was certainly worth it and thank you for telling us about it.
Best,
Philip
July 10, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Amy said…
Four years is a long time, but it was certainly worth the wait!
July 10, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Randy said…
In a few years we will have shade in the garden again and we will fill it with hydrangeas!
July 11, 2008 at 4:18 AM
Gail said…
Lovely phillip but then I think all your Hydrangeas are! Some plants are worth the effort to get such pretty blooms!

Gail
July 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Anonymous said…
A lovely bloom and some great foliage also! I hope she sends out some more blooms for you to enjoy!
July 11, 2008 at 8:27 PM
dianasfaria.com said…
Hydrangeas are one of my all time favorites. This is a beautiful one. Thanks for sharing!
July 12, 2008 at 2:33 PM
The Diva said…
It is very beautiful. I hope it starts to bloom profusely for you in the coming months.~~Dee
July 13, 2008 at 6:29 AM
Barbee' said…
I would feel like celebrating! I bet you did, too.
July 13, 2008 at 6:47 PM
RURAL said…
She is well worth the wait. My Ayesha had 15 blooms the first year. While sulking at her pot size she is bravely putting out blooms. Maybe this fall she can be promoted to a bigger spot. I always recommend her to friends and customers. An amazing plant, with those bubble gum pink flowers.
Jen
July 13, 2008 at 8:55 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Phillip, I've never seen the gorgeous hydrangea before. I have only three different hydrangeas in my garden ( I planted them this year), and I love Nikko most. Is your gorgeous hydrangea from Japan?
July 14, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Wayne said…
That is a beauty! Even prettier than the Lace Caps!
July 16, 2008 at 3:51 AM
Sue Swift said…
You've given me hope. I have a load of plants which I've had for three or four years which have never bloomed - a philadelphus, a lily, a calla, some irises ... maybe I'll just hang on a bit longer.
July 19, 2008 at 2:25 AM
KC MO Garden Guy said…
Very pretty indeed!! How many acers is your garden? If you have 60 other hydrangeas and all the other plants you post about I would have to say about 10?!? Oh and yes you are a patient person!
July 20, 2008 at 7:14 AM
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