Pruning has a lot to do with flowering. For Mophead hydrangeas, cut out 1/3 of the thickest, oldest stems at ground level, leaving the youngest, healthiest canes. Prune tips of remaining young current growth by about 1/4, back to a pair of healthy fat buds. Water deeply. Hortensia and Lacecap hydrangeas flower on new stems that sprout from the previous season's growth. Lightly prune in winter back to just above a plump pair of buds. In frosty areas, do this after the last frost. Hydrangeas like morning sun or filtered light for the full day. The soil pH needs to be between 4.5 and 7.5 or plants will suffer dramatically.
Yes.
Mophead hydrangeas (h. macrophylla) bloom in Chicago (zone5) in late May or early June, depending upon the site conditions.
Yes, it is recommended to cut off dead flowers from hydrangeas to promote new growth and encourage the plant to bloom again.
To ensure that your hydrangeas bloom repeatedly throughout the season, you can prune them properly in early spring, provide adequate water and sunlight, and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer. Additionally, deadheading spent blooms can encourage new growth and more blooms.
To trim hydrangeas and encourage new flowers, it's essential to know the type of hydrangea you have. For those that bloom on old wood (like bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas), prune right after flowering in late summer. For those that bloom on new wood (like panicle and smooth hydrangeas), prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Always remove dead or weak stems and shape the plant to promote good air circulation and healthy blooms.
Some good "get well soon" flowers include daisies, peonies, and hydrangeas. Daisies stay in bloom even after the patient gets better, peonies are the symbol of healing, and hydrangeas represent perseverance.
Hydrangeas generally prefer partial shade, especially during the afternoon when the sun is strongest. Too much direct sunlight can cause their flowers to wilt or burn. Morning sun or dappled shade is ideal for hydrangeas to thrive and bloom beautifully.
To properly dry hydrangeas and maintain their color, you should cut the flowers at the peak of their bloom, remove excess leaves, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. This process helps the flowers retain their color and shape as they dry.
To dry hydrangeas effectively for long-lasting preservation, cut the flowers at their peak bloom, remove excess leaves, and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Allow the flowers to dry for 1-3 weeks until they feel papery to the touch.
Take out any old or straggly canes completely,and cut back the branches that have flowered this year to just above a pair of leaves or their buds. In the older types, you can do this back to leave 3 leaf nodes, but if it is a newer hybrid be less severe.
Many hydrangeas are sweetly fragrant and in full bloom the scent can be quite strong. A few variants are described as "fragrance free". While the scent is not as strong with the fragrance free varieties, it is detectable.
lupine, peony, cranesbill, lady's mantle, campanula, phlox, sweet william, lilies, roses...