Hi, A few weeks ago, before the heat-wave and the pelting rain we had in Ontario, my hydrangeas were spectacular. Since then, they have faded and some appear crumbled & dried up. I have 3 questions: 1. Should I 'dead-head' the fading flowers? 2. Do hydrangeas normally behave in this manner? 3. Last year I had no blooms and I believe it was because I cut them back hard in the spring. Would this have forced the spectacular blooms I had earlier this summer? Thanks, Anne
The answers to your three questions depend somewhat on what species they are but I'll give it a shot 1. Generally dead heading is not required, the flowers will dry to tan and remain on during the winter. If they have wilted before drying (H. macrophylla does this to me) then cut them off since they don't look nice all wilted. 2. Hydrangeas don't like drought (hence the 'hydra' in the name). If the leaves are wilted or drying, it needs water. Drought will affect the flowers first however (causing them to wilt) & can be used as an indicator of when to water. 3. Cutting back in the spring works for H. paniculata & H. aborescens, but not for H. macrophylla (except Endless Summer) & H. quercifolia because they bloom on last year's wood. Simon
