Posted by Kathy on January 01, 19100 at 20:49:33:
In Reply to: Hydrangea posted by P am on December 21, 2024 at 14:07:26:
: We put in new plants in the Fall which includes a Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla "Mariesii Variegata"). It had beautiful green white leaves up until the beginning of December which is usually unheard of in Illinois. Now the leaves have died as we just had our first hard freeze. The plant is about 2 feet tall. Can I prune down to the ground now?
Pam-I live in NW Indiana (zone 5), am a huge hydrangea fan, and I too have a Mariesii Variegata. Stongly urge you not to prune to the ground! This hydrangea blooms on last year's growth, so if pruned to the ground, it will not bloom next year. They go dormant in winter-in spring (about March/April)trim each stem only down to a healthy pair of leaf buds. Don't know if you're in zone 5 or 6; many forms of hydrangeas are tricky for those of us in zone 5 due to cold. Have had my Mariessi for 4 years and no blooms due to extreme cold. Have tried various methods of protection with no luck. This winter I wrapped each stem in tree wrap then heavily mulched, hoping for better protection. I am not completely disappointed, however, because as you said, the leaves are indeed beautiful. My mother has one as well and hers always blooms- her solution was to plant it in a very large container and place it in the garage near a sunny window in winter. Hers is not as large as mine (mine's about 3'), but it always blooms for her. If you have trouble getting your Mariessi to bloom, I've had luck with other varieties. I have a Nikko Blue that has done quite well, grew rapidly and bloomed profusely it's second year. Also, I bought an "All Summer Beauty" this year, am told they bloom on new wood, so should be assured of bloooms each year without worrying too much about cold protection. PeeGee (tree or bush form) are good bloomers as well. Another lesson I learned the hard way: if tempted to cut the blooms and enjoy indoors, you will not likely get rebloom that season. Whatever appears early on is the extent of the show for that season. I noticed the blooms on my Nikko Blue, which opened in June, stayed fresh looking through fall. They can be dried easily, just cut and put in a vase (no water). For drying, wait till Sept. or so to cut the blooms, as they are too moist earlier in the season and don't dry well, they tend to shrivel.
Good luck! -Kathy