Butterfly bushes die back in winter, grow back in spring: Ask the Ground Crew
(she also asked the second question)My father used to tell me that the best time to prune is when you have a pair of pruning shears in your hand. And, in many cases, this is true. Anytime you see a plant with dead, dying or diseased branches, go ahead and prune off the offending branch.
But your question is specifically about butterfly bushes ( Buddleia ). Butterfly bushes are perennial plants that die back to the ground every winter. They then send out new growth from the roots in the spring. You can prune them either in the late fall or in the early spring before the new growth starts.
It is best to prune them back to about 12 inches from the ground. This will keep them from growing out of control and in the end will enhance the total appearance of the bush.
If you are looking for a smaller butterfly bush, try the new Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip' butterfly bush. It grows only 24 to 36 inches tall and is spectacular.
I also have two hydrangea bushes in the same area. I've always wondered how far I am supposed to cut them back, if at all. I did not cut them back last year. The tips don't look good, but both bushes have new growth. Should I cut them back?
The first thing you will have to do is determine what type of hydrangea you have. If you don't know the variety, go to the U.S. National Arboretum's website to determine the identity of your hydrangea.
If your hydrangea is a mophead or lacecap (usually pink or blue) hydrangea, only prune in the summer after they have bloomed but before August. These types of hydrangea bloom on what is called "old wood," which means stems that have been on the plant since last summer. These hydrangeas produce flower buds in August through October. If you prune later than July, you will be cutting off next year's flowers.
If you have paniculata type of hydrangeas, they can be safely pruned in the fall or winter. The only time they should not be pruned is in the spring. These shrubs bloom on "new wood" formed in the current season.
When pruning your hydrangea, be sure to trim any crossing branches and those that do not contribute to the attractive form you desire.
When can I safely plant my annuals? I watch the daily temperatures and bring the plants into the garage when it looks like frost (early in the season). -- Marianne Semrad
Most annuals can be safely planted after the threat of frost is over. In the Cleveland area, that translates to about mid-May. The traditional annual and vegetable planting time is the Memorial Day Weekend; however, annuals can be planted the whole month of June with great results.
Growing Tips For Hydrangea - News
Other exciting new cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata to come on the market this spring include 'Little Lime', a dwarf version of the popular 'Limelight', 'Sweet Summer', which has unusual white cone-shaped flowers with green tips, and 'Quick Fire',

I also have two hydrangea bushes in the same area. I've always wondered how far I am supposed to cut them back, if at all. I did not cut them back last year. The tips don't look good, but both bushes have new growth. Should I cut them back?
When you are planting shrubs, roses, etc., always allow for growth. Crowding plants surely leads to problems. You can learn how to diagnose problems yourself. For instance, a calcium deficiency can cause leaf tips to curl. Nitrogen deficiency can cause
Here's what's blooming: hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangea, roses, lantana, gardenia, annuals and perennials like day lilies. Keep your vegetable gardens weeded. Pick squash, okra, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes regularly to encourage production.
When planting, it is important to take care to avoid plants that are toxic for dogs. Common plants that are poisonous if ingested by a dog include the following: a variety of lilies, aloe, buckwheat, daffodil, dahlia, hydrangea and some ferns.
Gardening tips: Gardening Tips : Growing Hydrangea Bushes | Pest ...
Growing hydrangea bushes involves partial shade, good drainage in a raised flower bed and moderate watering. Grow hydrangea bushes with tips from a professional gardener in this free video on gardening. Expert: Yolonda Vanveen Bio: Yolanda Vanveen is a third generation flower grower and sustainable gardener who lives in Kalama, Wash. She is the owner of VanveenBulbs.
Growing Tips For Hydrangea - Bookshelf
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Hydrangea Growing Tips
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Hydrangea Growing Tips - MonkeySee
Hydrangea Growing Tips: Learn how to deepen the blue color of your hydrangea flowers.
Tips for Growing Hydrangeas | Garden Guides
Tips for Growing Hydrangeas. One of the most popular flowering bushes in the garden is the hydrangea. With over 20 varieties of the spring bloomer, ...
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Buy hydrangea plants, review hydrangea shrubs growing tips, view hydrangea bushes photos at White Flower Farm.
Tips for Growing Hydrangeas
English Gardens offers expert advice on how to grow beautiful hydrangeas