Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I'm not supposed to own an Oakleaf Hydrangea.

I chopped it to the ground when I moved in. I didn't know what it was. It was ugly and scraggly. It regrew a little and then a tree fell on it. I moved it and it was growing along the ground. So I cut it back. Finally, this year, it was starting to look so good. It had two nice branches with lots of tiny branches. There were two huge buds forming at the tips. Twelve days ago, was the last time I paid much attention to it. Ignoring plants tends to help them in my yard.



This morning.



Maybe it was the wind. Maybe it was critters. I don't know. I'll be turning the whole thing into cuttings this evening after work. I've got it standing in water right now. I'm so ticked.

9 comments:

Christine B. said...

I believe that's what grandma used to call 'irony.' I have tried to grow oakleaf hydrangea to no avail. Good luck with the cuttings.

Christine in Alaska

scottweberpdx said...

oh man...that would make me cry...there's nothing quite as disheartening as finally seeing something improve and hit it's stride, only to get cut down.

Jennifer AKA keewee said...

I think I would be rather discouraged by now.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

My Oakleaf seems to draw trouble to it too. Either tree branches break it, snow has broken it and it's been broken by my husband trying to build a fence behind it. This is the first year, knock on wood, that nothing has broken it. I hope your cuttings take, they really are great shrubs when they get a chance to show off.

Dave@TheHomeGarden said...

That stinks! I love Oak leaf hydrangeas, I'm sorry you lost yours. I've had some success with tip cuttings with an immature top leaf left on the plant. I removed all others. Other cuttings don't do so well.

Dar said...

That Oakleaf WANTS to survive, doesn't it. I'm happy to hear that you will be trying to help it along once again. It sure is a beauty. I saw one once in TX that was outstanding. You will love it.

Kris said...

That's just a shame, Tom. Hopefully you'll be able to clone that up in no time. I've had my oakleaf for going on 8 years and I love it. It's a wonderful plant for shade and the foliage is real eye candy with the hostas and astilbes.

Jean Campbell said...

It will likely return from the roots. If your cuttings do not take, while they should, remind me in the fall to send you bare root suckers. Decide if you want large panicles or small, not named.

Unknown said...

I think it didn't want to be alone in your garden, and it's counting on you to create some siblings to form a whole grove of them!