AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question Hi,
I'm in Wilmington, NC (Zone 8) and have had the most beautiful hydrangeas for the past two yrs. Last week they have began losing their color. I fertilized them yesterday w/ Pete's flower formula. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Sarah
Answer Hi Sarah,
Thanx for your question. Being in North Carolina, the summer heat is most likely contributing to the fading color on your hydrangeas. In areas with hot summers, hydrangeas benefit from being planted in places where they get protection from the afternoon sun but also get full sun of a morning or late afternoon. Fertilizer will not help. I hope this helps.
Tom
