by Pam Garrett
What's wrong with my Hydranga?
+15
My poor Hydranga has never bloomed..it got nice and big and the leaves are great but I get these nasty looking dried flower heads...It gets some morning, early afternoon sun, but maybe it's not enough..It's the Ever something hydrangea..I live in zone 5
My Hydrange only blooms this far..
Leaves are big bit a little brown on the ed
13 answers
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They sell fertilizer specifically for Hydrangea, and a nutrient that will turn the flowers blue. Check your local garden supply store.
![Adrianne C]()
Adrianne C
on Mar 27, 2014
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Are you sure about the name? That looks somewhat like an oakleaf hydrangea to me. There should be more of the outer petals, but that is basically what the flower looks like on that type of hydrangea. (Nor can you change the color of that type of hydrangea.)
![Douglas Hunt]()
Douglas Hunt
on Mar 27, 2014
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I'm pretty sure it's the Endless Summer Hydranga..That's what I wanted anyway unless the container was mismarked
![Pam Garrett]()
Pam Garrett
on Mar 27, 2014
- See 3 previous
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I have to agree with Douglas here. I have Endless summer and Oak Leaf. this is not Endless Summer, sorry. And as Douglas states this is what you get. Many times I have purchased plants mis-tagged and the biggest blunder for me was a Magnolia that was marked dwarf and it has already reached the 14' mark in 3 years! Sometimes this happens but I can tell you that the Oak Leaf has beautiful fall colors, it is native, and it can get huge in warmer areas with almost no care. Happy gardening!
![The Garden Frog with C Renee]()
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Mar 27, 2014
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Ok..well that explains why I'm not getting the big showy blooms..thanks!
![Pam Garrett]()
Pam Garrett
on Mar 27, 2014
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Thanks so much!
![Pam Garrett]()
Pam Garrett
on Mar 27, 2014
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me » Consumer » Hydrangeas: True Blue or Tickled Pink?There are very few plants that you, the gardener, can actually choose the color you want them to be in your garden. Hydrangeas happen to be one of them. With some simple amendments to your soil, you can choose between making the blooms blue or pink. And while it doesn't happen overnight, the magical blooms are well worth the wait!The most important thing that influences the color of hydrangeas is soil pH—that's the level of soil acidity. That means you may want to start with a soil test. You can either get a soil test kit from your favorite garden center or you can send your soil to your local cooperative extension office.In general, more acidity makes hydrangeas turn blue, less acidity (or more alkaline soil) promotes pink—that is, unless we're talking about white hydrangeas, which alas, are limited to white. Take a look at our pH color guide to get closer to the color you prefer. Hydrangea Color PreferenceDEEP BLUE PURPLE -PINK DEEP PINK4.555.566.56.87Okay, so how do you actually change soil pH?To lower pH and turn hydrangeas blue, we recommend adding Espoma Soil Acidifier to the soil. It’s safe, long-lasting, and approved for organic gardening. Use 2 1/2 cups around the plant’s drip line every sixty days, until you reach the desired shade of blue. Prefer pink? Then use Espoma Garden Lime. Sprinkle about 2½ to 5 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. in the Spring or the Fall. 5 Colorful TipsConsider container gardening for hydrangeas as an easier way to control soil pH. Some of the newer varieties of hydrangeas feature huge flowers on compact plants which are ideal for containers.Feeding hydrangeas well results in healthier plants with more saturated color.Espoma Holly-tone is an excellent choice for blue hydrangeas since it contains sulfur to lower pH. Espoma Plant-tone is ideal for feeding pink hydrangeas since it does not contain the additional sulfur. Water hydrangeas steadily, especially in the hottest part of the summer to keep them from wilting. Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.Hydrangea color can be affected by lime leaching out of concrete walkways or patios nearby, making blue a real challenge. Keep this in mind when considering where to plant.A word of caution: not all plants like acidic soil. Be careful about what's growing near your hydrangeas. Not sure which plants like acidic soil? Click here to see a list of Acid Loving Plants.http://www.espoma.com/p_consumer/email_hydrangeas.html#.UzR_evldV5E
![Adrianne C]()
Adrianne C
on Mar 27, 2014
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Once you get used to the different flowerhead Pam, It's quite a lovely, delicate looking variety. I have a couple of Oakleaf Hydrangea (which yours is) and find them a nice relief from the big map-head style everyone has. The colour on them is very nice, especially the fall leaves> Enjoy!
![Katie]()
Katie
on Mar 28, 2014
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The old wood on your Hydrangea is not suppose to be cut back...if you do just about 1/2 an inch. That is where you are going to get your beautiful blooms on this old looking wood...check your soil to see what is missing in it or maybe there is to much for ex:..acidity in your soil..it depends on where you live..If your soul is dry, you can try putting mulch under it, which keeps it more moise......Good Luck!!
![Anne]()
Anne
on Mar 28, 2014
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I concur, that is a Oak Leaf Hydrangea. This is a wonderful native shrub. Some years, depending on temp's, amount of snowfall, rain etc. this can be a "normal" bloom. Some years the bloom are fuller and some years not. Nothing wrong with the plant that I can see in pictures. Depending on the weather they can have wonderful fall colors (pinks/rusts/burgundy) in the leaves too and interesting peeling bark.
![White Oak Studio Designs]()
White Oak Studio Designs
on Mar 28, 2014
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While it may not be the Hydrangea you thought you were getting (shame on that nursery-tag or no tag they should have known!) The Oakleaf is a beautiful underused plant IMHO. You may want to check where you have it planted though, as Oak Leaf Hyd's can get 6' or more while the Endless Summer would have only been a 3' shrub. The Oak Leaf will reward you for learning to love it with AMAZING fall color.
![Anna K]()
Anna K
on Mar 28, 2014
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BEAUTIFUL YARD, BUT LIVING IN WESTERN PA AND MY YARD BEING OVERRUN BY A HERD (15) OF DEER THAT ROAM THE WOODS (AND MY YARD), I WOULD HAVE NOTHING LEFT AND THEY ALSO EAT ALL OF THE SUNFLOWER SEEDS I PUT OUT FOR MY BIRDS. IT IS VERY UPSETTING. LOVED LOOKING AT YOUR GREAT YARD THOUGH. :)
![Janice]()
Janice
on Mar 29, 2014
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![Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure]()
Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure
on Feb 22, 2018
https://thistlewoodfarms.com/how-to-make-your-hydrangeas-bloom/https://www.gardenguides.com/84033-make-hydrangeas-bloom.htmlhttp://www.millionplants.com/advice/wont-hydrangea-bloom/https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/5-tips-growing-gorgeous-hydrangeas
Adrianne C
on Mar 27, 2014
Douglas Hunt
on Mar 27, 2014
Pam Garrett
on Mar 27, 2014
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Mar 27, 2014
Katie
on Mar 28, 2014
Anne
on Mar 28, 2014
White Oak Studio Designs
on Mar 28, 2014
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