I have a Hydrangea petiolaris growing over a garden shed. Just noticed that there are large shoots appearing?

at leaf joints. Is tihs early or normal, never noticed this early before

I have a Hydrangea petiolaris growing over a garden shed. Just noticed that there are large shoots appearing?
Treat these buds as the harbingers of spring, the daffs will be out early as well. But remember there is still time for a very cold snap. So do not prune till about the middle of March.

With spring on its way I always hark back to Alan Seagers poem 'Rendezvous'. Searger was a US WW1 poet.



'when spring comes back with rustling shade

And apple blossoms fill the air

I have a rendezvous with life

When spring brings back blue days and fair'



Just a short extract. The irony is Seager did have a rendezvous in the spring, but it was not life. Sadly he was killed in action in the spring of 1918.
Reply:It has been a very mild winter. Lets hope it continues or frost might damage the shoots. If it covers the shed then it might be too big to cover with frost protecting fleece. Otherwise wait and see. Any damage should recover when the warmer weather arrives.
Reply:Its what's known as The Spring Effect
Reply:Spring has sprung,

The grass is riz,

Who knows where,

The birdies is?

The milder than normal recent weather has bought this on. Do some pruning now and hope that we don't get another damaging cold snap. :)