My hydrangea plant is not blooming

Question

My hydrangea plant is approx. 3 ft. tall and has beautiful, large leaves, but has only 1 very small flower this year. Can you tell me what is happening to it? How can I remedy this?

DIANNE · Answer

DO YOU CUT IT DOWN EVERY FALL, I CUT MINE ALMOST TO THE GROUND ,MY BLOOMS  ARE THE SIZE OF A BASKET BALL.. THAT IS ALL I DO CUT THEM BACK EVERY YEAR.
WOW.. YOU GOT ME THEN..MAYBE THE DRY WEATHER, DO YOU WATER OFTEN.?

Sue · Answer

Hydrangeas are so unpredictable.  I cut them to the ground one year,  and they didn't bloom at all.  I did nothing last year and they are doing beautifully.  Two years ago we had a terrible winter, and I got nothing.  I heard on a gardening program that you should cut them back only to the first mark on stem because next year's bloom will develop there; also remove dead stalks.  They do require a lot of water (which mine don't always get), and full sun will just increase the heat that makes them droop  or not bloom.  I get deeper color in very shady areas.  I live in New Jersey, just across from Philadelphia.  Compost is the only fertilizer they need -- using commercial fertilizers can produce all leaves, no flowers.

Merry · Answer

Here in Okla. it is better not cut Hydrangea  back you may be cutting buds off  try and see if that helps it worked for me.   🌺

Janet Pizaro · Answer

If you pruned the Hydrangea at some time you most likely pruned this years flowers.They should not be pruned all the way back only the hard wood.If they are receiving to much nitrogen the food went into the leaves and not to produce flowers.

Linda Holland · Answer

Some Hydrangeas  you cut back in fall some you do not. I have 2 different kinds and I always cut back but 1 never bloomed. This past year didn't cut either of them back and they bloomed beautifully. Find out which you have,. 
Or just don't cut back and see..

Patty · Answer

Hydrangeas are acid loving. Have you checked the ph of the soil?

Sabina · Answer

Do not prune in the spring. If you prune at all, do it immediately after it blooms and then leave it alone. Next April scratch up the soil around the canopy of the plant and feed it some Hollytone granules, lightly move the soil back over it and water it. That did the trick for me when I had the same situation. These hydrangea shrubs are probably 50 years old.

Rodrigo Sebidos · Answer

You said, '3 ft. tall and has beautiful large leaves and  1 flower' It seems that your Hydrangeas is 'fat' don't put too much fertilizer especially Nitrogen. Nitrogen tends to make the plant leafy at the expense of flowering. You can induce it to flower by applying Potassium (muriate of potash) follow recommendations​ or consult your agricultural agent for proper advice.

Me · Answer

This has been a very hard year for hydrangeas in the Northeast, if that is where you are located. The early hot,  then freezing weather has taken it's toll. Some are just beginning to bloom sparsely now. Hopefully next Spring will be better

Dorecia · Answer

Last year I tried bone meal nothing happened this year I tried the hollytone nothing happened again they get sun in morning shade in afternoon

Jennifer Browning · Answer

If you water too much they will produce more leaves than flowers.

Diane B · Answer

There are a few varieties that must have a certain amount of sun to flower properly.  I don't know what zone you're in, but they must have fertilizer and proper watering to flourish.  Trimming and pruning is another issue.  We have about an acre of hydrangeas and unless they get beyond limits, like the Limelight, we rarely ever do serious pruning.  There are some very helpful hints on Pinterest in the gardening area.  I wish I could tell you more, but without knowing the variety you have, it's really not possible to give you exact information.  Check with your local county extension agent also.

Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure · Answer

https://thistlewoodfarms.com/how-to-make-your-hydrangeas-bloom/

https://www.gardenguides.com/84033-make-hydrangeas-bloom.html

http://www.millionplants.com/advice/wont-hydrangea-bloom/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/5-tips-growing-gorgeous-hydrangeas

My hydrangea plant is not blooming

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My hydrangea plant is not blooming

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