Hydrangea is Spreading Out of Control

Is there anything one can do to stop the 'spread' of hydrangea roots. We have an area where they 'popped' up about 5-6 years ago on the side of our driveway. They have grown like wildfire…too much so. I tried pulling them, but to no avail.

A little sweat equity and persistence should do the trick. Edge the area you want to keep intact. Use a sharp spade to cut through the rhizomes (underground root-like stems) to disconnect the hydrangeas you want to keep from those you want to remove. Continually prune the unwanted stems to ground level whenever they appear. Over time these stems should weaken and die. Or carefully treat the unwanted sprouts with a total vegetation killer. If you do not sever the rhizome before spraying you can injure or kill all the plants including those you want to keep.  Whether using traditional or new environmentally friendly products read and follow label directions carefully. All these products are plant killers and can injure or kill your desirable plants as well as the weeds.

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