Landscape Message: May 27, 2016

"Many Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) suffered from the
rapid temperature drop over the Valentine’s Day weekend and again with
the low temperatures of 18° F, 22° F, and 24° F in early April. That
killing freeze occurred after buds had begun to swell and even show some
green. At this point, many, if not most Bigleaf hydrangea only have
growth coming from the base of the plant. Prune out all deadwood and
don’t expect a lot of flowers this year, unless it is one of the
re-blooming cultivars. Pee Gee type hydrangeas are fine. The marginally
hardy Crepe myrtle here on the Cape also took a hit with the late spring
freeze and many have also been killed to the ground."