Flowering hydrangeas are one of the most popular summer blooming plants on Long Island. They are available in a variety of shapes and colors, have attractive foliage and adapt well to a wide range of garden sites. Whether planted in your garden or cut for bouquets this summer-loving plant is a must for your home.
‘Limelight’ in Tree Form
Essentials for Hydrangea Care
These deciduous shrubs are relatively easy to care for. For big, beautiful blooms every year, follow these care tips:
- Sunlight: Partial shade or filtered sun is best. Too much sun will scorch leaves; too much shade leads to weak flowers and poor performance.
- Moisture: Water the base of the plant – not the leaves, to maintain soil moisture levels. Avoid overhead sprinklers, as they can cause fungus and disease problems.
- Soil: Hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-draining acidic soil.
- Fertilizer: Boost plant health with a well-balanced fertilizer like Miracid or Holly-tone in early spring. Follow the package instructions on the product you choose.
Endless Summer
Annabelle
Changing Hydrangea Flower Color
The flower color can be altered by changing the pH of the soil.
- For blue flowers add aluminum sulfate.
- For pink flowers add lime.
- White hydrangea cannot be changed and will always be white.
Example 1: If you want your pink flowers to be more pink, add lime. If you want to change them to blue, add aluminum sulfate.
Example 2: If you have a blue flowers and want them to be more blue – add aluminum sulfate. If you want to change it to pink, add lime.
Keep in mind that color changes can take weeks or months to appear, and the timing may be different for each variety and soil type.
Pruning
When to Prune Hydrangeas
When and how to prune hydrangeas depends on the variety you have. Some bloom on old wood and some on new wood. Pruning at the wrong time may cause you to accidently cut off the buds for next year’s flowers. Follow this guide to ensure you prune at the right time:
- Big Leaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) which includes popular varieties such as ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Nikko Blue’ should be pruned immediately after flowering.
- Smooth Leaf Hydrangea (H. arborescens) produce flowers on the current seasons growth and respond well to both hard and light pruning. Prune in late winter/early spring before new growth. The most popular variety is ‘Annabelle’.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (H. quercifolia) produces flowers on the previous season’s growth. Prune right after flowering (mid-summer) to control size and shape. Only remove up to 1/3 of the plant.
- Panicle Hydrangea (H. paniculata) produce flowers on the current season’s growth. Prune varieties such as ‘Limelight’ and ‘Tardiva’ in late winter/early spring before new growth appears.
- Climbing Hydrangea (H. anomala petiolaris) produce flowers on the previous season’s growth, so prune right after flowering mid-summer.
By following these comprehensive care tips, you’ll enjoy vibrant hydrangea blooms that enhance your garden’s beauty all summer long.
Oakleaf
Climbing
Common Questions
1. Why isn’t my hydrangea blooming?
There could be several reasons your hydrangea isn’t blooming. Consider the following:
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- Sunlight: Most hydrangea prefer part sun, too much shade will hinder flowering.
- Pruning: Did you prune at the wrong time? See the section above on when to prune. Cutting too much or pruning at the wrong time of season can remove next year’s blooms.
- Weather: Cold snaps and late freezes can damage new buds. If this is an issue for you each year, consider moving your plant to a more sheltered location.
2. When can I transplant hydrangea?
The best time to transplant hydrangea is in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant.
3. Why is my hydrangea plant drooping?
The most common cause of drooping leaves is lack of water. Make sure to water regularly, especially in the heat of summer. Hydrangeas that are grown in full sun or in containers may also droop occasionally in the afternoon heat.