The new variety "Endless Summer" is a Macrophylla variety, i. H. it is one of the popular farmer's hydrangeas, which are also botanically correctly referred to as Hydrangea macrophylla. In contrast to the classic farmer's hydrangea, "Endless Summer" blooms on both old and new wood - a real exception among the Macrophylla hydrangeas. Nevertheless, with regard to pruning measures, it is treated in the same way as other farmer's hydrangeas.

A skilful pruning promotes flowering of the Endless Summer hydrangea

Pruning measures depend on the hydrangea variety

There are around 70 different types of hydrangea worldwide, but only a small number of them thrive in German gardens for climatic reasons. The most widespread are the numerous varieties of Macrophylla hydrangeas, which are also known as farmer's hydrangeas. In terms of pruning, all garden hydrangeas can be divided into two groups. The first group must not be cut back, as this variety develops its flowers on last year's shoots. Hydrangeas of the second group, on the other hand, must be pruned because their flowers only appear on fresh shoots. "Endless Summer" is an exception, however, because it flowers on both types of wood.

Reasonable care cut in spring

Although the hydrangea "Endless Summer" should not be cut back, some pruning measures are useful:

  • Cut out spent flowers during the growing season.
  • This will make the flower even richer.
  • Only in late summer / autumn can you leave faded flowers over the winter.
  • Annually remove any dead branches.
  • New shoots can grow from this base.
  • Immediately remove diseased (e.g. powdery mildew) shoots and leaves.

Thin out and rejuvenate older specimens

Younger hydrangeas of the "Endless Summer" variety should not be pruned in the first few years so that they can develop into stately bushes. A thinning and rejuvenation pruning is only necessary after a few years, whereby you cut away about a third of the oldest branches just above the ground. This rejuvenation pruning should definitely be carried out, otherwise the hydrangea will age and its flowering capacity will decrease significantly. Shoots that are too dense can also be removed regularly so that the inner parts of the plant get enough light and air.

tips and tricks

In contrast to other farmer's hydrangeas, it is not a problem with "Endless Summer" if flower buds freeze to death due to late spring frosts. New buds are immediately formed on the young shoots. Frozen shoots should also be cut away in spring, as they provide a gateway for various pathogens and weaken the plant as a whole.

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Vegetable garden