UACES Facebook Hydrangeas in Arkansas - Caring for Hydrangeas in Arkansas
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Hydrangeas in Arkansas

Hydrangeas are an important group of ornamental flowering shrubs that offers something for sun or shade gardens. While most of us think of Hydrangeas as great shrubs for the shade (e.g. Bigleaf Hydrangea and Oakleaf Hydrangea), the Panicle Hydrangea (H. paniculata) is a great option for a sunny location.

Pruning Hydrangeas

Pruning is always a tricky question with Hydrangeas. Panicle (H. paniculata) and Smooth Hydrangea (H. arborescens) flower on NEW wood (just like a crapemyrtle) so they can be cut back immediately after flowering and may rebloom later in the season, or, they can be cut back in the winter and still be expected to flower the following year.

The next group which includes Bigleaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) and Oakleaf Hydrangea (H. quercifolia) are alleged to flower on buds that were formed the previous season. Therefore, if you prune them in late fall to early spring, you will sacrifice that season's flowers. If the plant requires significant pruning, do it immediately after flowering.

Thanks to Joel Stout, Cricket Hill Farm, Conway, Arkansas for his input.

For more information check out our publication Pruning Hydrangeas.

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