I planted this shrub a few years ago and finally found out that it is the type that will only bloom on old wood. So I didn't cut it back although it's growth is very fast and furious in just one season. These flowers don't look at all like I expected them too. I'm thinking this shrub ought to be replaced. What do you think?
I certainley wouldn't get rid of it. I think it it beautiful and different.
I don't see anything wrong with it--looks like a perfect healthy beautiful hydrangea to me. I wonder if maybe it was mislabeled and it's not the kind you thought you bought and that's why you're disappointed?
I think it is beautiful. It is a Lacecap Hydrangea as apposed to the Mophead variety.
I agree with all the other folks who are admiring your lovely Hydrangea, however if it is in the wrong place in your garden, either Autumn or early spring is the best time to dig and transplant any shrubs as the weather is cooler and the plant wont have too much foliage at these times, when the plants are not to be pruned onto old wood, what you do is right after flowering, give the plant a light prune and only remove the this seasons new growth, this will allow the plant to make some more new growth and this will be considered OLD wood by next spring/summer. some plants for what ever reason need to be kept in check, but your Hydrangea will look even more beautiful if left to mature into a large bush/shrub even if this means placing it somewhere else where size dont matter. Good Luck. WeeNel
Thank you to all who replied. I am such a beginner that I thought there was something wrong with this hydrangea. Now I have learned that there are different varieties. It must have been mislabeled.
Terri
Are you thinking the color should be more pinkish? If so , your ph is way off. They like a ph of 4.5-5.5 to get maximum color. Take a soil sample to your ag extension office and they'll tell you everything you need to so for the soil. Anyway, it's beautiful as is.
Some hydrangeas can change colour depending on the soil. Here is some information on how you can change these varieties to pink or blue:
http://gardening.about.com/od/floweringshrubs/a/HydrangeaColor.htm
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/hydrangeafaq2.html#How-change-flower-color
Seems like a lot of others like your hydrangea. If it's not to your liking, maybe before you get rid of it you ought to consider rooting several cuttings to offer for trade on the plant trading forum. You might be able to get some things you'd rather have. It is a beautiful flower (and color) and would be a shame to just throw it away.
