Don't Hack Your Hydrangeas

Hey Everybody! One of the greatest and simple joys of the garden at this time of year is walking around and seeing the new growth popping up out of the ground. For most plants its completely harmless and even encouraged for you to prune back the dead limbs to make room for the new shoots.

That does not ring true for two plants, hydrangeas and clematis. Many varieties of these only bloom on old wood. The second year I had hydrangeas in the yard I couldn't figure out why I didn't get the big poofy purple blooms. Well, I felt like an idiot when I learned that I cut them off at the neck and wouldn't see those gorgeous flowers for another twelve months.

I talked to Teddie Berry with the Houston County Extention service. She said they have a bit of a problem getting folks to understand not to cut off that dead wood.

But you know every year we get stronger and more diverse plants and that goes for hydrangeas and clematis too. Some of the newer varieties don't require such vigilance. The bottom line is that if you're in doubt...don't CUT!!!

Don't forget the Master Gardener plant sale going on at the fairgrounds this weekend. It will cost you five bucks to get in the door.

Happy Gardening!!!