Bigleaf hydrangeas (also known as French hydrangeas) first made their way from Japan to Europe back in the 18th century, and they’ve been a staple in gardens ever since. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular—they give us months of stunning color, and even their dried flower heads look beautiful dusted with frost in the winter.
When do Bigleaf hydrangeas bloom?
Depending on which variety you have in your garden, you can expect to see those gorgeous blooms pop in June or July. Whether they are blue, pink, or white, these flowers usually stick around well into the fall. Here’s a fun fact: the “petals” we admire are actually sterile sepals designed to grab the attention of both gardeners and pollinators; the actual fertile flowers are quite tiny and tucked away inside!
Why isn’t my hydrangea blooming?
It’s frustrating when a hydrangea fails to bloom, but the culprit is usually easy to track down. If you’re taking great care of the plant and still seeing nothing but green leaves, check the location. If it’s in too much shade, the plant might refuse to set buds. Another common issue is late spring frosts—if the buds froze over the winter, they won’t open. In that case, you might want to look into better winter protection for next year.
Pruning is another big one. Bigleaf hydrangeas actually set their buds for next year very early, often while the old flowers are still on the bush. If you get a little too enthusiastic when pruning off those faded blooms, you might accidentally snip off next year’s flowers before they even have a chance.
Can you really change the color?
Did you know you can actually play chemist with your hydrangea colors? Blue blooms are a huge fan favorite, but many people notice that once they plant a blue hydrangea, it eventually fades to pink. This happens because of the soil pH. If you want to keep that vibrant blue, you can use a fertilizer containing aluminum sulfate. Give it a try and watch the magic happen!
Quick Highlights:
- Bloom time: June or July, depending on the variety.
- Buds are sensitive to frost.
- Lack of flowers is usually due to too much shade or incorrect pruning.
- Flower color can be changed or maintained with specific fertilizers.
Pro Tip: When removing spent blooms, be very careful and only cut just above the next set of healthy buds so you don’t lose next year’s show!
