Big flowers from bigleaf hydrangeas

摘要

The right mix of light, nutrients, and water, plus winter protection can ensure abundant blooms. Show me a glorious photograph of a flowering bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla cvs. and H. serrata cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9), and my green thumb starts to twitch. I am immediately overcome with what I call hydrangea lust, inspired by these visions of lush opulence. I know I'm not alone, since gardeners have been gracing their borders and foundation plantings with these flamboyant beauties for years. But every now and then I hear from fellow fans who divulge their heart-break to me over a prized shrub that will not flower. They've patiently waited to see if this will be the summer that their mophead or lacecap flowers will appear, only to bemet with disappointment. This problem is not uncommon and can be remedied easily. All they need to do is understand how these woodland plants grow and select those varieties that are hardy in their climate.