How To Keep A Hydrangea Blooming

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular ornamental plants that are loved for their beautiful and showy blooms. However, keeping them blooming can be quite challenging, especially for beginners. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks on how to keep your hydrangeas blooming all season long.

Understanding Hydrangeas

Before we dive into the tips to keep hydrangeas blooming, let's first understand the plant itself. Hydrangeas come in different varieties, but the most common ones are mophead, lacecap, and panicle hydrangeas. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial shade. Hydrangeas bloom from early summer to fall, depending on the variety.

Mophead Hydrangeas

Mophead hydrangeas are the most popular variety due to their large and showy blooms. They typically have blue or pink flowers, but the color can be influenced by the pH level of the soil. Acidic soil produces blue flowers while alkaline soil produces pink flowers.

Lacecap Hydrangeas

Lacecap hydrangeas have a flattened cluster of small flowers in the center, surrounded by larger flowers. They usually have blue, pink, or white flowers, depending on the pH level of the soil.

Panicle Hydrangeas

Panicle hydrangeas have cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom from late spring to mid-fall. They are the most cold-hardy of all the hydrangea varieties and can tolerate full sun. They usually have white or cream-colored flowers that turn pinkish as they age.

Tips To Keep Hydrangeas Blooming

Now that we understand the different types of hydrangeas let's move on to the tips to keep them blooming all season long.

1. Prune At The Right Time

Pruning is crucial for maintaining the health of your hydrangeas, but it should be at the right time. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so pruning should be after they finish blooming in late summer. On the other hand, panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so they can be pruned in early spring before new growth appears.

2. Water Regularly

Hydrangeas thrive in moist soil, so watering regularly is important to keep them healthy and blooming. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.

3. Fertilize Properly

Fertilizing is essential for promoting healthy growth and blooming in hydrangeas. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply it in early spring before new growth appears and again in mid-summer after the first bloom.

4. Adjust Soil pH

As mentioned earlier, the color of mophead and lacecap hydrangea blooms can be influenced by the pH level of the soil. Acidic soil produces blue flowers while alkaline soil produces pink flowers. You can adjust the pH level of the soil by adding aluminum sulfate to make it more acidic or lime to make it more alkaline.

5. Provide Shade

Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and can suffer from sunburn if exposed to too much sunlight. Plant them in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or use a shade cloth to provide some protection.

6. Mulch

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and suppresses weeds, which can compete with hydrangeas for nutrients. Use a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark, leaves, or compost around the base of the plant.

7. Deadhead Regularly

Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms to encourage new growth and blooming. This should be regularly throughout the season, especially for mophead and lacecap hydrangeas.

8. Protect From Frost

Hydrangeas are not frost-tolerant, so they need protection during winter. Cover them with burlap or other protective material to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

9. Use The Right Tools

Using the right tools for pruning and fertilizing is important to prevent damage to the plant. Use sharp and clean pruners to avoid tearing or crushing the stems. Use a granular fertilizer instead of a liquid one to prevent burning the roots.

10. Know When To Replace

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, hydrangeas may stop blooming due to old age or disease. Knowing when to replace them will save you time and effort. If your hydrangea has not bloomed for two or three years, it may be time to replace it.

Common Hydrangea Problems And How To Solve Them

Even with proper care, hydrangeas can still have problems. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.

1. No Blooms

If your hydrangea is not blooming, it may be due to pruning at the wrong time, too much shade, or improper fertilization. Make sure you are following the tips above and adjust accordingly.

2. Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Make sure the soil is well-draining and only water when necessary. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.

3. Brown Spots

Brown spots on the leaves can be a sign of fungal disease. Remove any infected leaves and spray with a fungicide according to the instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I water my hydrangeas?

Water deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.

2. When should I prune my hydrangeas?

Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas should be pruned after they finish blooming in late summer, while panicle hydrangeas can be pruned in early spring before new growth appears.

3. Can I grow hydrangeas in full sun?

Hydrangeas prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun if they receive enough water and protection from the hot afternoon sun.

4. How do I adjust the pH level of the soil for blue or pink blooms?

Add aluminum sulfate to make the soil more acidic for blue blooms, or lime to make it more alkaline for pink blooms.

5. What should I do if my hydrangea has not bloomed for two or three years?

It may be time to replace it with a new plant.

Hydrangeas are beautiful and showy plants that add color and interest to any garden. By following the tips above, you can keep your hydrangeas healthy and blooming all season long. Remember to prune at the right time, water regularly, and fertilize properly. And don't forget to deadhead, mulch, and protect them from frost. With a little effort and care, you can enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas year after year.