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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...

Emerging

Camellia 'Donation'
 
 Such an exciting time of year!


Peony




Euphorbia myrsinites








Ribes (Flowering Currant)








Rhododendron 'Blue Baron'



Rhododendron 'Taurus'



Tulip


Leycesteria formosa (Himalayan honeysuckle)



Comfrey







Euonymous albomarginata




Lupine




Peony 'Paula Fay'




Hydrangea 'Snowflake'



Stewartia

 And, my first attempt at bringing mason bees into the garden. It wasn't near as complicated as I thought. I put the cocoons out three days ago and was thrilled to see bees today. My shelter is a bit primitive and the whole tower is crooked but I am happy with it at the moment.




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Wasn't it a fantastic weekend? I gardened both days and got so much done. Your photos are beautiful.

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  2. You have so much more going on in your garden already Phillip but my peonies are at about the same stage. They are creeping out into the world. The anticipation is invigorating. I want to get out there and start pulling weeds. ... What did I just type??? ha... Love your bee/bug hive. The next thing we know you will have a bee hive and be selling honey.

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  3. You capture a perfect moment perfectly!

    Hooray for the mason bee condo. They will be thanking you for years to come.

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