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Pruning 'Summer Crush' Hydrangea in Late Summer or Early Fall

Hydrangea 'Summer Crush' in June... in September Pruning can be a complicated project, especially when it comes to hydrangeas (I can think of one more plant that causes pruning headaches - clematis). That said, if you grow many hydrangeas, especially different types, once you get the hang of it, it begins to come naturally. I used to rarely prune my hydrangeas because I had more space. Now, with a smaller garden, I'm finding that some are getting too large for comfort. Case in point, 'Summer Crush'. It is actually not a huge hydrangea, but it does get larger than advertised - about 5 feet in my garden (the tag said 3-4'). 'Summer Crush' is in the 'Endless Summer' line of hydrangeas and they are among the easier to prune. This is because they bloom on both old and new wood. Therefore, no matter when you prune, you should get blooms. It is the older hydrangeas, the ones that only bloom on old wood, that you have to be careful with. I would recomm...
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Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses

I am taking advantage of a sunny, off-day from work to trim back our ornamental grasses. If you didn't do this in the fall, this is a good time - you want to cut them back before new growth starts in the spring. I always wait until late winter because I think the grass add lots of character to the winter garden.

This is a simple enough job but clean-up can be a hassle. Here is a tip to make the job go faster and less messier.

Use a thick string or whatever you have to tie the grass together before you cut it (bungee cords are great for this too). Then, after you cut the grass, it will fall in a bundle instead of going all over the place! I use my hedge trimmers for this job and it works great.



 






Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. SkeeterFebruary 21, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    I always leave the grass in place for winter interest and for wildlife to enjoy.... This is a great tip and time for me to get out the clippers...

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 22, 2014 at 3:46 AM

    I do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.

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  3. SwimrayFebruary 22, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    And do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
    -Ray

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  4. Jane ScorerFebruary 23, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    Now that is an excellent tip! It takes me longer to pick up all the stems than it does to cut them !! I will do the string thing next time ! Like you I always leave grasses until late winter/ early Spring before I cut them back as I think they add so much interest to the gloomy winter garden.

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2014 at 4:04 PM

    Thanks for the great tip!

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  6. ProfessorRoushFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:16 AM

    Yes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!

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  7. AaronFebruary 24, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    Which ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?

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  8. Phillip OliverFebruary 26, 2014 at 7:17 AM

    Aaron, I cut all of them back to the ground. I have "Morning Light", "Adagio", "Northwind" and a few that I don't know the names of. :)

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  9. AnonymousMarch 3, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    Good one Phillip!~~Dee

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  10. Edith KentMarch 5, 2014 at 4:29 PM

    Never tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.

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