How can I get my 10 year old hydrangeas to bloom?

Ann G
by Ann G

I have 10-15 old hydrangea plants. Bloomed fine but last four years not one bloom. Tried pruning, tried not pruning, fed plants fertilizer and still no blooms. What’s happening, I’m ready to yank them. Help!

  2 answers
  • Lisa Lisa on Jul 19, 2019

    Depends on where they are planted. Are they located in your yard as a stand alone shrub surrounded by grass? Or are they in a flower bed with other plants? Do you fertilize your lawn? What kind of sun do you get? Is it overshadowed by trees now that weren’t that tall before?


    If the shrub is surrounded by grass and you fertilize the grass the answer is simple. The lawn fertilizer causes things to put out leaves and green up. It doesn’t cause blooming.


    My advice is to relocate the shrub, into a flower bed, prune her, amend the soil she is going into and add in a bit of fertilizer for blooming shrubs.


    If if you want her to be blue, add in pine needles or spaghum moss to amended soil before you plant and/or water the ground around her with a mixture of 1 gallon of water to 2 cup vinegar.


    Hope this helps!

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jul 19, 2019

    I'd take pictures of plant and area and go.to your local nursary for more information about your region and project. They are very helpful.