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Old 02-07-2005, 02:19 PM
Stephen Henning
 
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"Travis" wrote:

Dead heading will improve its appearance but will not promote more
flowers.


.... even on Endless Summer??? The directions for Endless Summer state:

"Another unique feature is that this hydrangea will continue to set buds
and bloom throughout the season; deadheading the spent flowers will
encourage this. Feel free to cut the blooms for drying or fresh cut in
vases because you will actually encourage the plant to produce more
blossoms."
"By cutting back to half the emerging growth, the amount of blooms is
significantly increased. Deadheading will promote blooms from April
through October in warmer regions, and June through frost in colder
areas."


The University of Georgia extension says for Bigleaf hydrangeas
(Hydrangea macrophylla) including Endless Summer:

Encourage further new foliage growth by deadheading (removing faded
flowers).


Another site states for all hydrangeas:
Deadheading is necessary as the spent blooms distract from the
appearance of the current seasons flowers. Simply cut the spent blooms
along with the flowering stalk, back to the uppermost pair of new buds,
taking care not to damage any of the new green shoots.

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