As many of you gardeners understand we are a compulsive lot. We are many times controlled by our perfectionism to achieve just that right look. My wife laughs while she sits in here coaster chair watching me observe and analyze the current state of the landscape. To me its almost like a curse, like a squirrel burying his nuts or looking for nuts from past burying episodes. We go to different venues in our minds, maybe that would work, maybe not. For me with my artistic and analytical mind I am in constant thought on what to do or plan next. I guess it keeps me young. Ha.
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| Hydrangea "Lady in Red" |
I've already moved over twenty something plants this early spring before they begin active growth. This Hydrangea "Lady in Red" struggled over the past year under a Red Oak Tree, never achieving the greatness it deserved (hows that for reasoning). Actually I thought it "looked" better here. I wonder how many more times it will be moved. Ha! Of course every time you start a project you run into the unknown. Upon starting the "hole" I ran into a layered conglomeration of ____. Put your own four letter word for the imperfection there (stuff). One layer of river rock, a layer of bark, a layer of plastic trash bags laid flat for a barrier I guess, and another layer of river rock, and that doesn't even include the heavy clay soil. I removed the crud and amended the "hole" with sphagnum peat moss in order to achieve the desired "pink" inflorescence. We will see if the Lady meets the requirements (this year anyway).
I love Hydrangea although I don't have that one. I'm bad about moving some things several times. Hope this spot works out for you.
ReplyDeleteCher
Cher, I sure it won't. But I guess that's the fun in it. The name of the Lady in Red was given in reference to the red cast of the leaves I believe. It was developed in Georgia.
ReplyDeleteI have a Lady in Red and I have determined she is a fussy___insert your own word here! I've had her about 3 years and last year she put out about 3 blooms (blue ones). I had not been cutting her back so last year I said what the heck and cut all stems down low. I'm hoping to cause more than 3 blooms by doing this. I'll let you know what I find. I have been busy moving stuff too. Mine is more because I plant things too close together sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI have a ton of hydrangeas (it seems to be a requirement in Atlanta), to the point of being a slight "addiction." Have never had any great luck with Lady in Red; sometimes I wonder if it was just overbred to meet demand when they introduced it a few years ago. My understanding is that the stems are supposed to be red, but I'm not sure that always holds true. If you're looking for one with dramatic stems, try "Midnight Duchess," with dark purple (almost black) stems.
ReplyDeleteBecause of our heat here, they tend to need a lot of water (can't imagine why it didn't like life under that oak!), and as much as everyone says to give them shade, I get much better results by giving them a few hours of morning sun and then shade in the heat of the afternoon.
Phillip at "Dirt Therapy" has incredible hydrangeas in his garden, as well. Have fun with it!
I know what you are talking about! Every summer I say that's it, no more moving plants around, and every winter we end up digging huge holes and breaking our backs moving mature shrubs around! And the worst part is, perfection never arrives...
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite time of year to move things around and divide. I had to move things due to our tree being about to come down. I also had to move a plant to a different spot so I could plant something I've been wanting just for that spot.
ReplyDeleteI hope your hydrangea does well in its new spot.