Well, I wasn't sure this year after the very weird winter & early spring weather. I've left all of last year's stems even though they've looked dead. They have been slowly leafing out so I've still not cut anything down. (I've got a hedge of these consisting of 6 shrubs plus a few variegated ones in between to add some interest.)

Anyway, yesterday I noticed that all of the 'Homigo' shrubs are setting buds so there will be flowers this July afterall. I'm very pleased. I know that field trials for 'Homigo' apparently did not go well. But, I planted these shrubs from 6" rooted cuttings purchased from QVC in early spring '05. They grew like gang-busters into 3-4' shrubs & have bloomed each year. This is the first season I've had the patience to leave the old stems alone. All of my previous flowers have come from new growth. This year, though, my buds are ALL on last season's stems.

I really don't understand why this great little hydrangea has gotten such a bad rap. I personally highly recommend them. They are the ones that change color from greenish/white to blue to red. They are tough as nails & reliable bloomers. I'm not yet seeing buds on this season's new stems but it's still early. I expect to see them within the next couple weeks.

Anyway, if you stumble across one of these...don't' hesitate if you're in Zone 6 or higher & somewhere along the shore.

Tricia