Question
Hi Tom, I just sent this email to the Johnson county Kansas K-State extension office, but found you so I thought I would send this to you as well.

1.    I have always wanted hydrangeas in my yard, and this year I finally bought one from Hermes.  It is the 揈ndless Summer?type and is about 18?tall and has approximately 20 canes.  We planted it on Saturday before the storms and today when I came home from work, it is droopy and wilted looking.  The ground is still very damp around it, but it did get quite warm today (De Soto).  It is planted on the East side of the house next to the house.  Can you please tell me what to do to have success with this plant?  
2.   My next question is in regards to my wisteria that is planted along my fence line and has been there for at least three years.  I do not remember if it is a particular type or not.  The plant seems to be doing quite well, but has never bloomed since I have had it.  I have not tried any fertilizer, as I do not know what to use.  Another plant I really want help with!  

Thank you
Kim


Answer
Hi Kim,
Thanx for your question.  I worked with the Wyandotte County Extension Service of Kansas State University, with which I was very proud to be associated.  I took the Master Gardener Training and manned the phones for a while back in 2000 and 2001.  TheMaster Gardener programs have an excellent reputation in the Kansas City area.

I think your hydrangea will be fine.  They like moist, rich soil so you might want to side-dress with some composted manure and make sure the ground doesn't bake dry in the summer.  You know how our local summers can be but once the plant is established, hydrangeas are pretty hardy.  Sometimes after a shrub or tree is transplanted, it will get a shock and appear to be about to die.  I think your plant is just going through some shock.  Don't waterlog the soil.  After the soil dries, you may water it again but we're supposed to cool off here in the KC area next week.  When the plant recovers, start feeding it with a fertilizer rated for flowering shrubs which you should be able to find at Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.  Follow the directions on the package.

In regard to the Wisteria, here is some information from Ohio State University.

In order to bloom well, wisteria require full sun (six or more hours of direct sun per day) and a deep, moderately fertile, moist soil that does not dry out excessively. They will adapt to most soils, though they prefer a neutral to slightly acid soil pH of 6.0-7.0 for best results. Some type of support will be necessary as mature plants can be quite heavy.

I will also add that they flower better if they are well pruned and not allowed to grow rampantly or in an unkempt manner.  A side-dressing of composted manure will help.

I hope this helps.

Tom