Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
7/22/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
For the week of July 19, 2004
'Endless Summer' Hydrangea Brings Endless Summer Color
By Michelle Weirich,
Communications Intern
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University
The recent hot weather reminded us that summer is here. Beyond the obvious clues of weather, grilling and outdoor sports, gardeners are watching their gardens come alive with color, texture and fragrance. Yet, all too soon, it will be time to prepare for another winter, making gardeners wish that the summer season was able to last just a bit longer. This week's Reiman's Pick, the recently introduced 'Endless Summer' hydrangea, it just might be possible to extend summer blooms up to the first frost.
Discovered in 1983 by Bailey Nurseries, 'Endless Summer' hydrangea(tm) is the first Hydrangea macrophylla in the industry to bloom on current season's growth. Other Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars flower on previous season's wood. This means that unlike older varieties, 'Endless Summer's ability to bloom on both old and new wood provides gorgeous color all season.
This ability has elevated 'Endless Summer' hydrangea to one of this summer's most popular new plants. On a visit to Bailey Nurseries in 1998, Dr. Michael A. Dirr, University of Georgia, discovered this interesting hydrangea in one of the nurseries trial blocks. The plant had been neglected, yet it was still blooming in late summer. In addition to the late year blooms, the plant was also blooming on new wood. Since then, 'Endless Summer' has been trial tested in several parts of the country and is making its debut this summer.
'Endless Summer' hydrangea will reach a mature height of three to five feet in one season with blooms from four to eight inches in diameter. The vibrant flower color of the plant varies depending on the soil pH. An alkaline soil will yield clear pink blossoms. Plants grown in an acidic soil will have true blue flowers. Iowa gardeners can manipulate the soil to produce blue blossoms with a mixture of half peat moss and half soil. The soil pH can also be reduced and maintained in an acidic range with regular applications of aluminum sulphate.
With its large, showy blooms and moderate height, 'Endless Summer' hydrangea is an ideal shrub for border gardens, a specimen plant, as a beautiful backdrop for other plants, and in containers. It grows best in a partly sunny, well-drained location. Regular watering is important to prevent wilting, which is particularly vital during its first growing season. It's also important to note that planting early in the season enables strong root development and good establishment in the garden.
Simple maintenance of 'Endless Summer' hydrangea plants during the growing season will yield big rewards. If deadheaded regularly, 'Endless Summer' will bloom from late June through the first frost in Iowa gardens. In fact, cutting the emerging growth back to half before it starts to bloom will significantly increase the number of flower clusters.
Many garden center and nurseries in Iowa are offering 'Endless Summer' hydrangea in their trademark blue pot. The average price ranges from $25 to $44. Visitors to Reiman Gardens can enjoy the beautiful blooms of 'Endless Summer' in the Dunlap Courtyard, south of the Mahlstede Horticulture Learning Center. And even though this plant can't turn back time, its colorful blooms just might make summer feel a little bit longer.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 588K. Caption: 'Endless Summer' hydrangea is one of this summer's most popular new plants. Discovered by Bailey Nurseries in St. Paul, Minnesota, this is the first Hydrangea macrophylla in the industry to bloom on current season's growth, providing gorgeous color all season long. |
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