If your hydrangeas aren’t blooming, it can definitely feel like a bit of a gardening emergency. Sometimes it’s just a case of “wrong place, wrong time,” or maybe they just need a little extra TLC. Don’t worry, though! Here’s how to figure out what’s going on and how to get those beautiful blooms back on track.
Patience is key for new plants
If you just brought home a new Hydrangea, don’t panic if it doesn’t burst into color right away. These plants usually need a little “settling in” time. When you first put them in the ground, they’re putting all their energy into growing a strong root system rather than showing off with flowers. It’s a totally normal part of the process! Just give your hydrangea some time and keep up with the care; you’ll likely be rewarded with a spectacular show next season.
Is the location the problem?
If your established plant is being shy, it might be unhappy with its location. Make sure your hydrangea is getting enough light and has plenty of nutrients in the soil. If your soil is looking a bit tired or depleted, try adding some fertilizer or mixing in some rhododendron soil (which they love!) to give them a boost.
You also want to make sure the soil stays consistently moist and that they aren’t competing with “thirstier” neighbors for water. A great tip is to plant them under a deep-rooted tree. This provides some nice dappled shade and protection from the wind without the tree roots stealing all the water. And remember, if you’re hitting a summer dry spell, make sure you’re out there watering your hydrangeas regularly.
The ideal soil for a happy hydrangea:
- Slightly acidic pH
- Consistently moist
- Rich in nutrients
Did you go a little too heavy on the pruning?
Pruning mistakes are one of the biggest reasons hydrangeas fail to bloom. It all depends on the variety! Some hydrangeas bloom on “old wood,” meaning if you cut back all the fresh growth, you’re accidentally cutting off next year’s flower buds. Other varieties are more forgiving and bloom on “new wood.” Timing is everything, too. If you prune in the fall, be careful not to take too much off, or frost damage could zap the new shoots, leaving you with a flowerless bush in the spring.
Did the winter blues hit too hard?
While many hydrangeas are hardy, younger plants can be a bit more sensitive to the cold. Also, if you have hydrangeas in containers, they need a little extra winter protection to make it through the freezing months. If the buds freeze over the winter, you won’t see any flowers when spring rolls around, so make sure they’re tucked in properly!
