I have a hydrangea bush. It's the type type with big blooms that bloom on dead wood. This year, I only got one bloom on the whole bush. The leaves are green, but no blooms. Last year I had tons of blooms. I am also noticing that the bush is getting very large. I think I should cut it back this year. When and how should I cut back my hydrangea bush? Any tips you have would be very helpful. Thanks.
You may be lacking phosphorus. If there is a lack of phosphorus in the soil, plants will have little to no blooms. You can either use a phosphorus rich fertilizer or add some bone meal to the soil. This article may help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm
This article will help with pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
I am told that it is easy to propagate hydrangeas but I have not had much success. I have two shoots now that have been in water since July. They have new leaves but no roots. What am I to do with them now? I have also tried rooting hormone and planting others but nothing has gotten me new plants.
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-propagation.htm
When is the best time to transplant a hydrangea and should they be cut back in the fall?
While they can transplant fairly easy, make sure it is done while dormant and get as much of the root system as possible. This article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/growing-hydrangeas-hydrangea-care-guide.htm
Typically, pruning it back does help when transplanting but if you are planning on moving it during fall, I would not take off too much, as the shrub may need its foliage for additional protection in winter (if you're in a colder climate). This article will help with pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
I have a patch of soil facing southwest. I have tried to grow hydrangeas without success. 2 metres away are photinias doing beautifully. I tried to test the pH; however, got no reading. The soil in that patch is clay like but 2 metres away it is beautiful.
Hydrangea require a rich, well-draining soil and clay soil doesn't exactly fit that bill. You could try amending the clay soil where you are trying to grow hydrangeas. The following articles will instruct you on how to do so:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/how-to-easily-improve-your-clay-soil.htm
Happy gardening!
What do I do to protect my hydrangeas through the winter? Should I put leaves around the plants?
These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-winter-care-how-to-protect-hydrangeas-from-winter-cold-and-wind.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/growing-hydrangeas-hydrangea-care-guide.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
I live in North Kansas City, MO and would like to be able to plant a hydrangeas for my daughter and our new baby boy. I would like to get a pink and blue one.
I would make an inquiry at one of your many local garden centers. This Google search link will identify many of them for you:
https://www.google.com/search?q=nurseries+%2B+%22kansas+city%22+%2B+MO&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
There are also many places on-line that sell hydrangeas, such as Burpee (http://www.burpee.com/perennials/hydrangeas/).
How can I protect my Hydrangea plants that I grew from shoots this summer? I live in Southern Ontario, Canada. They have been outside all summer. I wish to protect them from a Canadian winter for spring planting.
I recommend continuing to grow the plants outdoors and water until they go dormant and drop their leaves.
Then you can move them to a garage or a very sheltered location. You can check the soil throughout the winter to make sure it is not completely dried out, add a bit of moisture if it is needed.
Snow cover is an excellent insulator.
In the spring after danger of frost has passed bring them back outdoors.