Click here
to see a much better picture of the plant with blue flowers.
On sale this Saturday and Sunday (June 10th and 11th) for 20% off
at your local
Pike Family Nurseries
with locations around metro Atlanta, Birmingham, Alabama and their newest location in Charlotte,
North Carolina.
Another great introduction from plantsman Dr. Michael Dirr (formerly with UGA).
The Dooley hydrangea, named for former UGA Athletic Director Vince Dooley,
was a chance discovery growing in Vince Dooley's garden back in 1996 when a late
season freeze caught all other French hydrangeas with their buds hanging out.
Due to the fact that the Dooley hydrangea produces flowers on lateral buds, this
gives it more cold tolerance than other similar hydrangeas.
It's reported that in 1996, the Dooley hydrangea
was practically the only blooming French hydrangea in Athens.
The Dooley hydrangea will probably bloom well into zone 6 where older varieties
of French hydrangeas would be repeatedly frozen back.
The Dooley hydrangea has large mophead flowers that will either be blue (in acidic soil)
or pink (in alkaline soil) and it reaches a mature size of 3-5 feet tall and wide.
Plant the Dooley hydrangea in morning sun or partial shade with protection from the hot
afternoon sun. The soil should be loose, rich in organic matter and well-drained. Hydrangeas should
be watered regularly during dry spells in the spring and summer. Wilting in the heat of the
late afternoon is common even for hydrangeas that have sufficient water. Avoid overwatering
by checking the soil, which should dry out some between waterings.
Excessive moisture around the roots or poorly draining soil
can cause root rot problems.
Try to plant hydrangeas in locations where they won't have to be repeatedly pruned to
keep in bounds. Some of the most gorgeous hydrangeas are those that are pruned only
once every few years. Most Hydrangea macrophyllas should be pruned just as they
finish flowering.
All hydrangeas are susceptible to deer browsing. If you have a deer problem, plant your hydrangeas
in a protected location inside a fenced area or close to the house. You may need to use
deer repellents if the problem is severe.
