| Native Woodland Hydrangeas - Summer Blooms | | | | rewarded with an entire second bloom just about |
| Even in Deep Shade | | | | as fulsome as the first and lasting until the first |
| One of our most common requests is from folks | | | | hard frost. |
| looking for summer blooming shrubs to brighten | | | | 'Ryan Gainey' can reach heights up to three and a |
| up shady spots, especially deep shade. Quite | | | | half feet tall, and about as wide, but can easily be |
| frankly, there aren't many good choices. Mother | | | | trimmed in the late fall to keep it to the size you |
| Nature created flowers to attract bees to | | | | prefer. An excellent hydrangea for colder climates |
| pollinate the flowers and carry on the species. | | | | (hardy to Zone 4), It can be cut to within six |
| And, bees prefer sunshine. That's why there is so | | | | inches of the ground for the winter and still come |
| little to choose from. To fulfill this requirement, for | | | | back to full height, bearing the masses of white |
| years we've recommended a selection of our | | | | flowers for which Hydrangea arborescens is |
| eastern native (from New York to Florida) | | | | known. |
| Hydrangea arborescens, called 'Annabelle.' This | | | | Planting and Care |
| variety has only one major defect; the flowers | | | | Like most hydrangeas, 'Ryan Gainey' prefers |
| are so large they tend to flop, especially after a | | | | morning sun and afternoon shade, but will perform |
| rain. Recently a new selection of Hydrangea | | | | handsomely with virtually no sun - the kind of |
| arborescens was discovered: 'Ryan Gainey.' This | | | | deep, dense shade where you would expect only |
| selection has thicker stronger stems, darker | | | | mosses and ferns to grow. With adequate |
| green leaves that stand up better to the stress | | | | moisture this Hydrangea will also flourish in full sun |
| of summer and smaller flowers, but a lot more of | | | | in the north. Even in the south, with afternoon sun |
| them. For moderate to heavy shade, Hydrangea | | | | and dry soil, this will perform. However, under |
| 'Ryan Gainey' will make the most spectacular | | | | these conditions the first bloom period will be |
| display of any summer-flowering shrub I have | | | | shorter than the typical six to eight weeks and |
| ever grown. | | | | rebloom may not occur. |
| White, snow-ball shaped flowers literally cover | | | | Very easy to grow! |
| 'Ryan Gainey' starting in late May and lasting | | | | For best results plant in spring to late fall. |
| almost two months. These blooms make | | | | Prefers afternoon shade, will tolerate full sun |
| excellent cut flowers and can also be dried to | | | | especially with sufficient ground moisture. |
| enjoy in arrangements year round. This blooms on | | | | Plant 3 to 5 feet apart in moist, well-drained soil. |
| current year's growth allowing it to bloom year | | | | Amend soil with compost when planting. |
| after year, even after severe pruning or | | | | Water regularly until established. |
| extremely cold winters. As soon as the flowers | | | | Hardy in Zones 4-9. |
| start to turn brown, remove them and you will be | | | | Fertilize with Plant-Tone in early spring and late fall. |