Want to kill a hydrangea, seriously

10 years ago

I have a large nikko blue hydrangea in the wrong place. It is too close to the house and in too small a space. It has been in the ground at least 10 years, maybe longer so it has a lot of roots and is between a sidewalk i dont want to disturb and house. Added to that, i am an old lady and not all that strong or patient. I notice this year leaves are not coming back on most of the canes though new shoots are coming up. I think the early leaves got frozen in a late cold wave. So this would be the time.

is there an easy way to kill it in place? Then i could just remove the dead canes and leave the rest where it is and let the ground cover, grow over it. (I dont want to kill the ground cover.) Is this a job for round up?

thanks.

Featured Answer

nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis

10 years ago

I moved 2..were not hard to dig up..I was trying to be careful but u won't care so that will be easier..if u can't do it physically is there a kid in your neighborhood that could help?..my nephews have helped me..they loved getting a little money & had a good time..

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Comments (7)

sally_cotnell
Original Author
10 years ago
Were the roots fairly shallow?
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nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
10 years ago
Yes..mine were also about 10 years old but small..not enough light ..died back every year..bloomed only once..sick of them so now they're in pots..put in my shed for the winter..alive but may not bloom
sally_cotnell thanked nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
luis_pr
10 years ago
Ask local garden clubs if any members would want it for free provided they dig it up.
sally_cotnell thanked luis_pr
nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
10 years ago
Great idea luis!..or a friend, relative or neighbor
October_Gardens
10 years ago
If you're on social media just join a local flea market or for-sale/trade group and post an ad for "remove this". You'll probably get a gardnener or even a landscaper who can sell or re-use it. Of course use common sense and have a friend or family member around for safety.
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
10 years ago
If I was unable to do the physical work I would just cut it to the ground, put several layers of cardboard over top of it, and then bricks or rocks on top of that. Or something more artful, yet still heavy :)

The groundcover will be all over it in no time.