Queston about hydrangeas blooming after several years

Question

I gave my mother a hydrangea 15-18 years ago, and it never bloomed.  It would have beautiful leaves but no blossoms.  There was no pruning, and no additional fertilizers.  This year it bloomed for the very first time, with several large blossoms.  Why the delay in blooming?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Depending on the variety of Hydrangea some take longer to produce flowers than others.However keep in mind Hydrangeas prefer more shade then sun, and certain fertilizer depending on the variety.

Patty · Answer

The only thing I can think of,is that the soil content may have changed. Have a soil test done to see what you need to add to the soil. My guess us you'll need to add phosphorus for more blooms. Good luck.

Sue Kiene · Answer

I agree with Janet but 15-18 years seems very excessive so I would tend to say that there are other factors. My hydrangeas are planted where they get morning light. They do not get a lot of fertilizer but some. You are saying yours gets no fertilizer and no trimming/pruning. I really think that you need to have your soil tested. If you know the name of the particular hydrangea that you have you could check that as well. I have baby halos that at 1-2 years old that have a flower or 2. There are 3 large bushes. The one that gets the most weather--wind, sun, exposure to even rain, is actually the smallest and has the least blooms. Maybe this will make you take a look at where the bush is located and will help you think about why you have not had blooms.

Ebo7606611 · Answer

Mine bloom well. I cut to them almost to the ground every year.

Steve · Answer

Depends on the type.  A lot of hydrangeas bloom from the old bark.  Once you find out what type it is then you can decide if you should cut it back further than at the old blossom head or not.  If you don't cover it back, make sure you protect the stems with a lite mulch (ie. pine needles, leaves, etc.) in the winter if you live in an area that gets freezing temps in the winter

Nancy · Answer

Cutting. Or pruning at wrong time will prevent blooms.  Blooms set on old wood after bloomed drop. So only prune just after blooming. Same for Azaleas

Annie Doherty · Answer

It does seem that if you haven't had any blooms for that period of time then it would suggest that it is unhappy in the location where it is planted. As above I would check the ph in the soil and adjust if necessary, I have only ever fed mine blood,  fish and bone once a year watered copiously and cut back almost to the ground after flowering every year. This has worked for me in many locations throughout the UK even Scotkand and they have flowered continuously. I cut the flower heads and dry them ready for Christmas and spray them silver. Somewhere in the replies lies the right solution for you, good luck.

Judy Ackerman · Answer

My BF's hydrangeas have bloomed in the 5 years he has owned his house.  Two reasons 1.  he was cutting them back these particular ones bloom on the old stems, 2. The soil was not to their liking.  I started giving them all our coffee and tea grounds and they are going to bloom this year.  Hydrangeas like an acid soil.

KYO8234641 · Answer

In addition to the other good comments about pruning, sprinkle Epsom salts around the base this is   Magnesium and will do  wonders for the plant and also change the color of the flower.  Perhaps your soil is to acid.

Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure · Answer

https://thistlewoodfarms.com/how-to-make-your-hydrangeas-bloom/

https://www.gardenguides.com/84033-make-hydrangeas-bloom.html

http://www.millionplants.com/advice/wont-hydrangea-bloom/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/5-tips-growing-gorgeous-hydrangeas

Queston about hydrangeas blooming after several years

Suggested Project Book

30 Jaw-Dropping Decorating Techniques You've Never Seen Before

Other

More

Queston about hydrangeas blooming after several years

Suggested Project Book