Enjoy the magnificent blooms of hydrangeas
Summer is the season for hydrangeas. Their magnificent blooms are focal points in the summer landscape.
Hydrangeas have recently captured the attention of plant hybridizers. They have been hard at work creating so many new cultivars, it is hard to keep up with the latest and greatest variety, but goodness knows, I try.
Most garden centers offer a broad selection — types best grown in partly shaded gardens and others that prefer full sun. There are varieties small enough to mingle with perennials in the border and others large enough to stand alone as a specimen or as a large, flowering privacy hedge.
Quickly rising to the top of my favorites list is Hydrangea Bobo. Officially named Hydrangea paniculata “Ilyobo,” it is tagged “Bobo” in garden centers.
This delightful, dwarf hydrangea is covered from top to bottom with large, creamy white flowers from midsummer to fall. Strong stems proudly hold flowers, remaining upright even after summer rains — a real plus for hydrangea lovers who have come to accept enjoying blooms at ground level after a thunderstorm.
Unlike some members of the Hydrangea macrophylla family, the flower color is not affected by soil pH. Flowers cannot be manipulated with soil amendments to turn blue or pink, although the creamy white blooms blush pink in fall.
Bobo grows about 3 feet tall and slightly wider. It prefers a spot in light shade or full sun, but also grows well in shadier conditions. However, best blooming occurs in full sun. Improve clay soil with plenty of organic matter before planting. Plants will need consistent watering the first year while the roots spread out in their new home, then supplemental watering during periods of drought is all that is required.
Fertilize plants in early spring with a fertilizer labeled for trees and shrubs. Follow the application directions on the label. Do not overfertilize. More is not better and feeding too little is better than feeding too much.
Hydrangea Bobo is a member of the panicle hydrangea family and blooms on new wood (growth that occurs in this season). Cold winters never affect flowering because buds do not form until cold temperatures have long disappeared.
Pruning is not required, but a few nips and tucks keep shrubs looking their best and encourage shrubs to produce the most flowers. Leave spent flowers on shrubs for winter interest and then prune the tips of branches back to a healthy bud in early spring.
The small stature and flower power of Bobo is ideal for planting in foundation designs, small hedges and the middle of perennial borders. It is also captivating playing the “thriller” role in large summer container gardens.
• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist, garden writer and speaker. She blogs at gardenwithdiana.com.