How do I get my hydrangeas to bloom?

Donna Creecy
by Donna Creecy

We planted three Endless Summer hydrangeas about four years ago. The first couple of years we had lots of big blooms, but the last couple of years none whatsoever. Don’t know what to expect yet this year, but any clues would be appreciated!

  4 answers
  • Rebecca Taylor Rebecca Taylor on May 25, 2019

    Hi Donna, here is what one site says and I will include the link so you can read more.

    If the old wood dies back to the ground, your hydrangea won't bloom when it grows back the following year. ... If you're having problems because your hydrangea won't bloom, it is best to avoid pruning your hydrangeas any time but early spring when you can see where the dead wood is and will not accidentally over prune.


    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm

  • Diane Coverdale Diane Coverdale on May 25, 2019

    Do you prune back your plant in the fall? If so, your plant may require the old wood (branches) to set the next year's bloom! Go online to check if your plant is an old or new wood bloomer. That may be your problem.

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    • Donna Creecy Donna Creecy on May 25, 2019

      Great! Thanks! Ours were pink when they used to bloom, and I actually prefer blue!

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    • So welcome Donna! I did none of the work here, the other hometalkers provided you with excellent advice! 🌞

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on May 25, 2019

    Over pruned?over watered?over fertilized? Endless Summer hydrangea macrophylla require very little pruning day-to-day, so you are able to simply enjoy the beautiful plants. These perennial hydrangeas bloom on growth from the current year as well as previous years, which allows for the re-blooming throughout the summer. If you prune too much, you will be removing potential blooms. If you prune to shape the plant or cut blooms for fresh hydrangea arrangements, be sure not to over-prune, or you will have less blooms next year.Hydrangeas prefer well-drained, moist soil, but not wet; overwatering can cause hydrangea macrophylla to produce less flowers. Depending on your soil type, you will need to adjust how frequently and how much you water. Clay soil holds more water than sandy or loam soil types, and produces more runoff because it doesn’t allow as much water to soak in as a looser sandy soil. We recommend using a drip irrigation system, a soaker hose or hand watering the shrubs when the ground feels dry. If your hydrangeas are planted in an area that sees high temperatures, they may wilt a bit in the afternoon, but will revive when the temperatures cool down. You can assist with this by watering in the morning or evening when the wind is more still and the sun less hot. Using mulch is another great way of conserving water and keeping the ground cool. Mulched plants typically can go longer periods of time between watering than non-mulched plants.Hydrangeas do especially well when fertilizers are effectively used in spring or early summer. We recommend using a granular, slow-release fertilizer with a high percentage of phosphorus (the middle number in the NPK ratio). Phosphorus is the element that encourages bloom production. Follow the package instructions when applying fertilizer and be sure not to use too much. Over-fertilizing can cause hydrangeas to grow big green leaves, but stunt bloom production.


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    • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on May 26, 2019

      Maybe just trimming a few tree branches would help all plants need