My hydrangeas do not bloom... Help!

Question

I bought a pair of gorgeous hydrangeas that had beautiful blooms 3 years ago - a lovely hot pink.  They haven't bloomed since.  Do they need to be moved?  Is the hedge creating too much shade?  Thanks so much.

Nicole Frances · Answer

Hello! ok..so being a hydrangea lover and having many in my home I would say that yes, they need sun. Not blazing sun but some each day. They may be needing some nutrients at the base. You can use a bit of manuer and maybe some coffee grounds into the soil. I trim my plants down to about 2 inches before the bottom before winter. They should sprout up again. It could also be that they just don't like their position near your evergreens. Some evergreens give off alot of root and they attract mosquitos etc. You may have to baby them and move them in order for them to bloom again. They may bloom this spring, wait and see and if not, i would move them all together. Hope this helps.

Just me · Answer

Some hydrangeas bloom from the previous year's buds which can be killed in a too cold climate.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would consider transplanting in the fall.It also appears there may be still some dead wood in them.Typically Hydrangea due best in partial shade.If placed in full sun they require a lot of water.When do you prune them?

Gri22228320 · Answer

i think your plant is a victim of bad pruning. Allow the leaves to develop, only cutting down dead stems. Feed plant after watering well. It should then leaf up this year and then flower next year, leave the flowers on plant after blooming until April after frosts following year then deadhead to immediately above first pair of healthy buds. Keep plant well watered and fed with either granular or liquid feed. Repeat pruning process each year. These instructions are for UK climate.

The Dragon Lady · Answer

Never prune big leafed Hydrangeas in the late winter, or spring. Wait until they are leafed out to cut out dead wood, or you are cutting off all the blooms. You can prune immediately AFTER bloom if they have too long shoots. Then, leave them alone until the following year. They prefer morning sun, but will do well with full sun, if watered daily, except in the deep south.

Eng20872322 · Answer

You had some good advice; from my side I would add thatHydrangeas are always looking for support. They like to grow against a wall where they can catch the morning sun. Don't overwater and feed them tea leaves as a much. It might turn your flowers into a deep blue.

Serai · Answer

mine only bloom every other year.

Mary Gendron · Answer

You can purchase Hyrangea food at farm and feed stores, or even at Walmart type places. Hydrangea need certain nutrients to retain their colors. The feed I get for my blueberry plants is the same one for blue hydrangeas. I've also seen feed for pink hydrandeas. Old timers used to say if you berried different types of metal near the roots, you'd get different colors of Hydrangea. Also you may be trimming them back too short. If you let them grow, they get to be real nice trees. Or you can check your soil's PH levels, it could be too alkaline or too acidic.

Kathy T. · Answer

I agree with most all these comments. Partial sun not full sun. I haven't touched mine and they bloom every year. I do not even water.

Yes there is different food for pink and blue. Read your instructions on the package. Acidity makes blue which you can even change from pink. Also soil, if you move and some good soil and mix in.

Bar17218364 · Answer

I'm just guessing here because I can't tell from your picture. Are they getting morning sun or afternoon sun? If they're getting afternoon sun, they may be getting to 'hot' and not enough water. Then you add the fact that they are planted too close to mature shrubs (water hogs). Something that I don't think has be mentioned yet is the original planting. Like so many newbies to gardening, I had to learn the hard way too. The initial planting of any type of rooted plant from a pot, may be the most crucial time in the life of that plant. Avoid purchasing potted plants/shrubbery that are too dry or root bound. Be sure that the hole you dig is wide and deep enough. Fill it with water and make note how quickly the water is absorbed. De-pot the plant, score the root ball with a serrated knife, add any nutrients recommended, and place the plant in the hole. Back fill with amended soil, pressing it firmly around the roots as you continue to fill with soil. Water again with a slow flow. Check it daily for several weeks. If it doesn't like what you did, it will let you know.

Tami Stone · Answer

This is gonna sound a bit weird, I was having that same problem a couple years ago. Then one day I decided to fix that sucker for good!! I was mowing the yard & just out of the blue, I ran over it with the mower. Had a big 'HA HA HA'. It showed me who's boss & has been blooming every year since then.