Vanilla Fraise Hydrangea

[Kitchen Gardener]

Wonder if anyone can me, I have two Vanilla Fraise Hydrangea growing in large wooden planters. They are three years old and are looking healthy, apart from the tops of one or two of the new growth. I thought they were lacking water because they looked droopy but in spite of watering they have not improved. The rest of the plants in both planters are healthy and making flower buds.
I wondered about just cutting off the droopy bits but then thought to ask first??

[veggiechicken]

I'd leave them until the weather cools down and see if they pick up then. Lots of plants (and people) look a bit droopy at the moment as they try to cope with the heat!

[Mitzi]

Hydrangeas in pots do need gallons of water in hot weather (the clue's in the name, hydra). Water well in the evening then see if they have perked up by first thing in the morning.

[Kitchen Gardener]

Vanilla Fraise Hydragea

Thanks for that, will give them a good watering this evening. I have tided the tubs up and mulched with farm yard manure. So wait and see.

[Babru]

I've got one of these in a pot too, but it's just small and seems fine so far. Hoping for a flower or two later in the year as it looks lovely in the picture.

I looked up the RHS guidance on hydrangeas and they say "Hydrangeas thrive in a moist, but well-drained soil, in a cool, semi-shady part of the garden. Try to avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds may damage young spring growth, and also avoid dry, sunny spots."

If the extra watering (and mulch) doesn't sort things, maybe try moving the pots.

[farendwoman]

Mine are growing in clay right up against the house wall. I’ve had them for about five years and this year cut them down very hard to about ten inches in March.
I must’ve read about doing this or seen it on a gardening tv programme.
It seemed very, very reckless at the time, but it has really paid off. (Of course it could just be that they’ve enjoyed the untypical hot weather this year.)

[KevinM67]

Mine are growing in clay right up against the house wall. I’ve had them for about five years and this year cut them down very hard to about ten inches in March.
I must’ve read about doing this or seen it on a gardening tv programme.
It seemed very, very reckless at the time, but it has really paid off. (Of course it could just be that they’ve enjoyed the untypical hot weather this year.)
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They look fantastic.

I always considered Hydrangeas to be a bit 'old fashioned' - something you would see in old peoples' gardens.

However, I do like this variety and the 'Pee Wee' one also.

[veggiechicken]

Its a beauty but it has me puzzled. The leaves don't look "right" for a hydrangea - more like a weigela.
Wonder whether it could be grown from cuttings?

Kelvin, I bet rary's garden is full of hydrangeas.

[farendwoman]

I’m pretty sure it can grow from cuttings - and apparently NOW is the time to do it.
Trouble is, unlike normal mop head hydrangeas it doesn’t do much branching, so it is difficult to find a suitable bit to cut off. It just seems to be all long stems with a huge flower on the end.
However I have “sacrificed” three of the smallest bits I could find , two are in potting compost, one is in water.
Will report back.
Incidentally, it’s useless as a cut flower. I picked one long stem to have as a single stem(very arty!!) and it had flopped and curled up by morning.
What a waste!
Did we ought to have a thread on flowers that are beautiful in the garden and absolutely dreadful in the vase? This hydrangea is one and so is the black leaved elderflower, sambucus black lace.

[farendwoman]

They look fantastic.

I always considered Hydrangeas to be a bit 'old fashioned' - something you would see in old peoples' gardens.

However, I do like this variety and the 'Pee Wee' one also.

Thanks Kevin, they are good aren’t they.
I shall have to remember to cut them down again and hope for a similar show next year.
I’ll look up the Pee Wee one.
You’re quite right, there does seem to a general feeling that hydrangeas are for old people. Dunno why - I think they’re lovely.