Q. I planted 3 Angel Lace Hydrangeas in 2005. They have not bloomed, and I’ve found that they are hardy to zone 6 – I’m in zone 5. Is this the reason that they haven’t bloomed? They are green and healthy looking and have probably doubled in size since planting. Can you give some advice on what to do with them? Erin – Pittsburgh, PA
A. This Lacecap Hydrangea is botanically from Hydrangea macrophylla and therefore is a hydrangea that blooms on previous season’s growth. What will likely happen with your hydrangea is that although it may survive your winters you will loose the flowers on the old wood and it will not bloom, at least not regularly. Not every year provides a zone-defining winter and so some years you may have flowers. You may consider providing additional protection for the winter to protect the old wood. Building a chicken wire cage around the shrub and filling it with leaves or straw would provide this kind of protection. Needless to say you would also want to make sure you prune your hydrangeas after they bloom and not wait until later in the season.