My ES on west side of house isn't doing anything yet, but 2 in an exposed area are showing signs of growth, go figure.

Thanks for your answer Carola, guess I should be patient a little longer. That patient part is so hard this time of year.

One of mine got hit by that last frost we had a couple of weeks ago and lost almost all it's new leaves. It's now growing a few more shoots.

My question is this: How will this hydrangea ever turn into a big bush if it dies to the ground every winter? Also, will it reliably bloom on this new wood? (I know it's supposed to, but has anyone experienced it?)

jenswrens:

have patience. If you notice on the tag, it says it will reach 3-5'. Here in Minnesota, it will reach about 3' and the same spread, a nice round ball ultimately. The 5' size is for those southerners with much longer growing seasons (Georgia, etc)

It will take a good 3 years for your ES to really put on a great root system and get settled in its spot. You'll find after a few years quite a few shoots coming from the ground, and during some springs, some buds shooting from the stems at the base as well - this will depend on how cold the winter is and if we have good snow cover.

yes, it will reliably bloom on new wood. I can vouch for this - I work at Bailey and was involved early on in the introduction of this plant. We have had test plants at the nursery, in our test block since 1987. Expect your first flowers in mid to late June (if it ever warms up and plants grow!). That frost that you mentioned is a big bummer, but it has happened to almost everyone's plants. They'll grow out of it. Keep it well watered, and give it some acid based fertilizer this spring.

good luck. hope you enjoy your ES

PP

Does this mean there is hope for mine??? I live in zone 3b, I planted my endless summer last year, in late July. It is in a spot that gets sun, part shade. So far it doesn't look like anything is happening! I don't know if this helps but my Tulips just started blooming on Mother's day. So I know it is still early. But everything else is up, except the "Endless Summer"

JennyPat: I wouldn't give up hope just yet - some warmer days would really be helpful and just want your ES needs to get those buds to poke through the ground. I wouldn't lose hope for a few weeks yet . . . . PP

My ES was growing great when the weather was warmer, but my dinglefritz husband cut off last years canes that were not showing any leaves. Do you think it will hurt it any? now that it is again only 4 inches high I have a feeling I may not see any blooms this year.

Cutting off the old canes should not affect it in the least. It blooms on new wood....that is why all the hull-a-baloo surrounded its introduction.
Jan

It is alive. It has one new shoot about the size of my thumb.