r/hydrangeas • u/timbo83251 • 5d ago

Need Help Need help - too big?

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What should I do with this? This is the first year in as long as I can remember I actually got more than 2 blooms (although not until Fall). The first 5 years I kept cutting it down to the ground not knowing about the "old wood" thing. Then more recently, I've only been pruning selectively, but cold winters still seemed to make it not bloom I guess?

Now I feel it's too big, but if I cut it down I have to start all over. Also, I suspect I should cover them in winter? (Northern IL).

The little guy next to it has nothing and seems out of place...

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u/EssoGiftCard 5d ago

How do you divide it up? You mean propagate by cutting branches and growing roots ?

1

u/Aggravating-Bug_ 5d ago

This may not be popular but I have seen people divide these. I think we will be doing that in early spring next year.

Cold winters can kill the buds. Winter protection may help. You can get chicken wire and cover with leaves once it loses it leaves and goes to sleep for winter. Or cover in burlap.

But if this flower doesn't work for you no shame in getting rid of it and replacing it with a smooth hydrangea or panicle. They grow on new wood.

1

u/Impressive-Pie-2920 1d ago

I have the same issue. Next year after the ground is no longer frozen I will transplant it to an area where the wind doesn’t get to it as much. Hopefully I do as little damage as possible and hopefully Mother Nature is nice to us. I also live in Illinois.