I cannot get my hydrangeas to blossom. What can I do?

Grace Merlina
by Grace Merlina
  7 answers
  • Vickie Benak Vickie Benak on May 04, 2017

    there could be a couple of things. Too much shade,not pruning correctly, or they might need to be root pruned. Using a Sharp backed spade, plunge it around the whole plant base at edge of the furthest branched deeply close to the roots. This shocks the plant and starts forcing the plant to proDuce flowers. Pour a mixture of 12 ounces apple juice per one gallon of water into the cuts. I did the root plunging alone, and my 10 year old plant bloomed again. These are tips from Gerry Baker, author of several gardening books. Good luck.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 04, 2017

    At some point in time was the Hydrangea pruned,when and how much?What lighting conditions in it in as they require part shade?

    • Grace Merlina Grace Merlina on May 05, 2017

      They get afternoon sun. After the first year I pulled the dead sticks out, but then read that that's a no no. It bloomed the first year but not since then.

  • 512181 512181 on May 04, 2017

    Deer munch mine down enough so they don't bloom. If you have deer, that may be the problem.

  • Sha11216682 Sha11216682 on May 05, 2017

    It is possible you have a male plant. We have 1 plant that does NOT bloom , have done everything, BUT I will NOT remove it because of the beautiful foliage.

    • Grace Merlina Grace Merlina on May 05, 2017

      I agree that the foliage is beautiful. However, it did bloom one year, but then no other.

  • Loretta Loretta on May 05, 2017

    Are you pruning them and if so, when. If they set buds in late summer for next years bloom and you prune in fall or early spring, you are cutting off your current season blooms.

    • Grace Merlina Grace Merlina on May 05, 2017

      I really don't know anything about pruning as I'm not much of a gardener. The first year I pulled out all the dead sticks and it hasn't bloomed since then. We have just let it alone since then because I read not to pull out the sticks.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 05, 2017

    Hydrangeas after awhile produce dead wood which is supposed to be taken out.Pruning should be done when the new growth emerges ao you can see exactly what needs to be cut. Do you happen to know which varieties you have?

  • Loretta Loretta on May 05, 2017

    Give it some miracid and be patient. If you have leaves it is not dead just resting. Do not cut anything off for a few years. Good luck.