Weak PeeGee Hydrangeas

17 years ago

I planted several types of hydrangeas early last year and all are doing well. However, the two PeeGees, both laden with blooms, have very weak stems and are practically flat to the ground. One is in part sun and one in mostly shade. We have good dirt in our yard, not sandy, not clay, just dirt. Any advice to get them more upright next year? Should I be feeding them something the other hydrangeas don't need?

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Comments (4)

Nettie
17 years ago
How are you pruning them if at all?
ginkgonut
17 years ago
too much shade?
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Nettie
17 years ago
^ I agree that they like sun but I am wondering if- and I don't have PeeGee but I do have Little Lamb and Tardiva- the wood is green wood from this year's growth and it can't support the weight of the blooms. Next year if you prune back by a third to a half and allow some woody growth to remain then the stems should be sturdier.
firethorn
17 years ago
PeeGees usually don't have a floppiness problem- they're cultivars (Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandifolia') that were chosen partially because of this. I'd either guess that they are in too much shade (they do like sun), or that because they are young and PeeGee flowers are so large (in relation to the size of the plant) that they are flopping over due to the sheer weight and lack of strong, older wood.

They'll be fine without any special nutrients- in the hydrangea world these guys are tough buggers.