La Dreamin is a specific type of hydrangea known as a macrophylla hydrangea. This means that it has large, showy blooms and is a popular choice for many gardeners. One of the unique characteristics of La Dreamin is that it is capable of blooming on both new wood and old wood.
When we talk about new wood, we are referring to the current season’s growth. This means that even if you prune the plant back in the winter or early spring, it will still be able to produce flowers on the new growth that emerges during the growing season. This can be a great advantage for gardeners who prefer to keep their plants more compact and tidy-looking.
However, the best flowering for La Dreamin hydrangea actually occurs on old wood. Old wood refers to the growth from the previous season. These branches have had more time to mature and develop buds, resulting in larger and more abundant blooms. Therefore, if you want to maximize the flowering potential of your La Dreamin hydrangea, it is recommended to avoid heavy pruning in the late summer or fall, as this could remove the old wood that will produce the best flowers.
It is important to note that the ability of La Dreamin to bloom on both new and old wood can be influenced by the climate in which it is grown. In more Southern climates, where winters are milder and the growing season is longer, La Dreamin hydrangea is often a better re-bloomer. This means that even if the old wood is pruned back, the plant will still have enough time to produce new growth and flowers before the end of the season.
In contrast, in colder climates or areas with shorter growing seasons, it may be more difficult for La Dreamin hydrangea to re-bloom on new wood alone. In these situations, it is generally recommended to avoid pruning the plant back too heavily, as this can reduce the number of flowers you will see the following year. Instead, focus on removing any dead or damaged wood and light shaping to maintain the overall shape of the plant.
To summarize, La Dreamin hydrangea is a macrophylla type hydrangea that can bloom on both new and old wood. While it can produce flowers on new growth, the best flowering is typically seen on the older branches. In Southern climates, La Dreamin is often a better re-bloomer. When pruning, it is important to consider the climate and balance between maintaining the overall shape of the plant and preserving the old wood for optimal flowering.
