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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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Arbutus Gardens



As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise!

Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'.

The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples.














I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrounded by other plants.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 28, 2025 at 10:22 AM

    I really need to get down there! It keeps slipping off my radar.
    However, I've got to say that your restraint was admirable, but possibly misplaced when the nursery owner of a stunning garden says he's trying to retire....

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 28, 2025 at 1:02 PM

    The crevice garden in the third photo is interesting and creative. I hope Mr Jacobs has passed his expertise in propagating trees on to others - he looks to be a master at it.

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  3. tz_gardenSeptember 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM

    So pristine, and layered expertly. I'm off to look up that meadow muffin.

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