Terry, hydrangea seem to be a finicky little animal. When they bloom, they're unmatached. But when they don't feel like putting out buds, they're a disappointment. I saw a few F & E for sale at Lowes but only one had buds. I had to surmise that the plant won't be in full bloom the first season unless purchsed as a larger plant.

Having said that, I do hope it ends up blooming for you. But just in case, I'd plant some annuals around it this season for color.

mehearty, much appreciate your comments! With you seeing those F & E plants at Low's, and only the one having had buds ... that tells me I must be patient and wait till next summer ... I'm sure the wait will be worth it! I've heard this one is somewhat better than 'Endless Summer'?

Terry

Actually, it is better for the bush if it isn't blooming or blooming sparsely the first season. It is putting its energy into establishing itself/the root system - much better for the plant in the long run (although I agree it is disappointing). Hydrangeas are like any other bush - they need a good 3 years in their location to really show what they can do. Be patient. :)

I bought two F&E's at Lowes about a month ago. They were in the 8" pots, bushy but they also no buds. They are slowly growing larger, now about 10" tall and 16" wide. I really wasn't expecting much in the way of blooms until next year. But yesterday I noticed that one of them is developing a bud.

I bought 15 Endless Summers this year and all of them are blooming. I haven't been able to find F & E's in southeast Mass. Are they much difference in appearance to ES's?

OH, I should of been a bit more patient ... I SEE BUDS COMING! ... YIPPY! It looks like rather a small flower head is developing, though that's good enough to give me an idea of what's later to come.

teri55, although I have seen ES at the nurseries, I had not purchased it due to hearing that F&E flowers somewhat earlier in the season on it's new wood, which is important with my summers being rather short.

Terry