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What should my Oakleaf Hydrangeas look like by now?

stir_fryi SE Mich

7 years ago

I am in SE Mich -- planted three last summer that seemed to thrive. They are leafing out now but not as full as I thought they'd be. If they do bloom this year -- when does that usually happen in my region?

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Mary G (SE Mich zone 5)

7 years ago

Hi Stir_Fry I am also SE Michigan. My oakleafs are 5 years old. I think due to the cool and not terribly sunny Spring they are later in leafing out. Mine have just begun in the last couple weeks but far from being full. Last year the harsh winter prevented any blooming - none, nada. I wonder what the late frost will do for this years bloom - if yours do not bloom just blame it on the late freeze. Oakleafs are supposed to be hardy in our area but mine are still very susceptible to the late freezes. The foliage is still beautiful and I never count on having blooms. When it does, I consider it a surprise bonus.

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Comments (7)

cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
7 years ago
I am in a warmer zone than you but my 'Alice' is fully leafed out and flower buds just beginning to show- I noticed the first of them yesterday.

Hopefully someone closer to your zone will be along shortly to tell you what is happening to theirs.
luis_pr
7 years ago
You should have a lapse of time after leaf out where the leaves increase in size some and then the flower buds open. Maybe about a month's worth of time?

Alice and Snow Queen have been in bloom here for the last two weeks. You should be catching up soon. Patience and enjoy the blooms when you get them!!!
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
Hydrangeas perform differently in different climates/areas of the country. While I live in a very mild climate and never need any sort of winter protection, most hydrangeas don't tend to bloom here until June or July. That's the difference between Luis' southern location and a lot of heat and my more northerly location and lack of hot weather :-) I can see buds on both my macs and my oakleafs but they will not be blooming for at least another month.
stir_fryi SE Mich
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes Mary G -- crazy MI weather. Spring arrived and then it got cold again. I am ok with the oakleafs not blooming this year. They were nice to look at when they were just leafed out and beautiful in the fall.
luis_pr
7 years ago
gardengal48, how is your Lil Honey looking?

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