In a June 15 story on hydrangeas http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/virginia_smith/20070615_High_on_hydrangeas.html I wrote that the late Penny McHenry, the founder of the American Hydrangea Society had supposedly come up with a way to make these big blossoms stand up straight in a vase of water. Like so many hydrangea fans, I'm forever cutting them and bringing them in, only to have them shrivel up in a matter of hours.
Penny's method was to soak the hydrangeas in a tub of cold water for about three hours. She swore that if you put them in a vase after that, they'd hold up. Sure, sure.
Hey, guess what! I tried it on Saturday. I didn't use a bathtub, but I filled the biggest bowl I have with cold water and stuck a couple of stems in there. After about 3 1/2 hours, I took them out, gently patted them dry and put them in a vase.
Today is Tuesday and even in this %^$&^&*&($##() heat, those hydrangeas are fine. Everytime I walk by them, I check. Can't help thinking any minute now they're going to revert, but so far, so good. Even if they do shrivel up, at this point I've had them for three days.
So I'm here to report that Penny Mac was true to her word. And judging from the number of calls and emails the hydrangea story prompted - I almost started answering my phone, "Hydrangea hotline!" - I think some of you might be happy about that. This is peak hydrangea season, after all.
Comments (5)
hello ginny
I will try the hydrangea tip, soak the thing? stem and flower under water?
and your photos are striking
jane
Posted by jane golas | June 28, 2007 9:06 AM
Posted on June 28, 2007 09:06
Hi ,i have a bush that is 4ft,high,& 5ft round, how do i trim it, & also will this grow into a tree. If not. is there a tree version to buy? thanks
Posted by vlad tepes | June 29, 2007 2:41 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 14:41
hi ,also do they need daily watering,unless we get enough rain . thanks
Posted by vlad tepes | June 29, 2007 2:43 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 14:43
Hi, I have a huge tree that I Love and I cut back a few years ago (approx 4ft by 4/5ft) it grows back fully every year but the pase two years..NO flowers, not one??? Beautiful green leaves but never a blossom??
Posted by Jeanne | July 2, 2007 10:13 PM
Posted on July 2, 2007 22:13
Hi, my wonder is that I have a bush that is 4ft high,& 5ft across, will this ever grow into a tree,or is there a varity that will,any help would be appreciated. Also, what is the best way to trim this for further blooms. thanks,
Posted by vlad tepes | July 5, 2007 10:01 AM
Posted on July 5, 2007 10:01