Japanese Maples Fall Color
'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back. 'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
I wish you the best of luck with this move. I have tried to move small portions of an oakleaf hydrangea without success but I probably tried to do it when it was too warm and dry. I can imagine the hole the spruce filled with those big blue arms. I hope your Oakleafs fill the space.
ReplyDeleteI suspect oakleaf hydrangeas are pretty indestructible. I moved a large one last year - had to cut it way back in order to carry it - and its new young leaves look healthy and beautiful this spring. Sounds like yours will do well too!
ReplyDeleteI wish you lots of luck. Please let us know how they do. Of the eight I transplanted on the farm, only one has survived one year. At first they seemed to be doing well but then quickly dried up despite watering. At the start of winter I thought at least three would make it but alas, only one has survived the winter to bud out now. Deer attacks did not help but honestly I am leaving my large oakleafs here and rethinking that garden design as I don't want to risk moving anymore oakleafs. So far those oakleaf hydrangeas have been the only casualties but I just don't know why. The paniculatas, macrophylla, and arborescens have all made the move wonderfully. Like you, I figure it can't hurt to try. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOur Oakleaf hydrangea is just stretching out its leaves now (as you can see at the bottom of today's post on my blog).
ReplyDeleteThis is its second year in the garden. It didn't flower last year, so I'm hoping we get some blooms this year.
Either way, the foliage is lovely.
Please keep us posted as to how the transplant works out!
I moved a few Oak Leaf Hydrangea offshoots last fall, just before they went dormant, so not an ideal time either. What looked like 3 tall but questionable sticks stuck in the ground all winter are now (slowly) leafing out. I'm not sure they will bloom this year, but that are definitely growing. I've kept them well watered this spring, but haven't fertilized, because I treated the holes pretty well. I may to that this summer if they look like they need some help.
ReplyDeletePhillip, I suspect they will do fine for you! Just keep them hydrated and make sure they have decent drainage. I have moved many and they have all survived. Btw, I never prune shrubs when I transplant them or trees! gail
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! Just last week, I transplanted a hibiscus from the yard of our old house into a pot. The tiny little buds were already starting to form, so I couldn't prune. I was worried sick that she wouldn't survive the transition, but she is leafing out just fine! It's funny how that works. Perhaps the plants don't want to be left behind!
ReplyDeleteI want to transplant an oak leaf hydrangea ......it's Nov 22 and the ground is not frozen
ReplyDeleteThe plant is fairly large and still has some foliage....how far should I cut it down? It would be easier to reduce the size to make transplanting easier.
You can cut it back as much as you want. However, since it blooms on old wood, it may not bloom next year if you cut it back too far. A foot or less would be wise if you want blooms. If that isn't important, you can go back farther.
Delete