Hydrange Care Part Two

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Annabelle Hydrangeas blooms remain white regardless of soil pH. They are easy to grow and tolerate a wide range of light conditions. They can reach 5 feet tall and wide but are easily pruned to retain a smaller size.

Why Doesn't my Hydrangea Bloom? Reasons #3 and #4

After weather and incorrect pruning the next most common reasons hydrangeas don't bloom are location and too much fertilizer.

Location
Most hydrangeas need at least 3-4 hours of light to produce blooms. Early morning light is excellent, mid day light is fine if it is dabbled light versus beating sun and afternoon sun is usually too hot. However, check the plant label. Newer hydrangea varieties are being developed to tolerate greater length of exposure to sun and intensity of sunlight. Remember, a hydrangea in full sun will need much more watering than one in dabbled light.

Fertilizer
Hydrangeas should not be fed with high nitrogen fertilizer. The first number on the fertilizer ratio is nitrogen. (The ratio represents N-P-K) Some nitrogen (N) is needed for healthy leaves and overall good growth however a ratio of 8-16-6 or some comparable combination with a higher middle or phosphorus (P) number is desired. Phosphorus promotes root and shoot growth which enhances the development of blooms.

Potash (K) the last number of the ration is for plant hardiness and is the lower ratio of the three elements. Hydrangeas are acid loving plants and fertilizers formulated for acid loving plants can be used to fertilize hydrangeas. Fertilizing twice a year, once in early spring and again in mid-summer is enough for hydrangeas. Always be sure the soil is moist before you apply a fertilizer to prevent root burn.

We currently have Annabelle, Limelight and Endless Summer Hydrangeas at the store.