My Hydrangeas Don't Bloom

[mcnuss]

They are huge, the plants are very healthy, but this is the 2nd year that I've not had a single flower. Any thoughts?

 

[Mamu]

I also have a hydrangea that is temperamental. I do know why it's like this though.

Some hydrangea's flower on last years old growth (woody stems) They do not like to be pruned. If you prune them in the summer you will be cutting off next years flower.

OK I do not prune this hydrangea, it still doesn't bloom. This hydrandea is one that doesn't like cold frosty spring. It damages the flower bud.

Last year it produced a few flowers. A warm winter and spring. No flowers this year, a bitter cold winter and late frost.

I will be wrapping the stems and next years future flower buds with burlap this winter and being very careful to protect it from spring frost.

If this doesn't work I may try moving it to a more protected area the following year.

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome to the F&G board, mcnuss!

I just planted my first two hydrangeas this past summer, so I'm still learning about them.

Along with Mamu's good advice, you might consider checking out the following Hydrangea FAQ link. Part way down the page they discuss some reasons why hydrangeas may have few or no blooms.



Hydrangea FAQs

Kim

 

[Donald's #1 Fan]

Never prune them. They don't like it. I have one outside my back door - it is subjected to frost, wind, rain and snow. When it gets warmer (we average 65 degrees and for us that is quite warm) make sure they get a good soaking once a week.

 

[TimNDansMom]

My blue hydrangea didn't bloom this year either. The last few years it's been getting fewer and fewer flowers. I think it is getting too stressed from the hot dry summers because it wilts very easily.

 

[mcnuss]

Really, don't prune them?

But by the end of the winter, there's nothing but twigs left. They green up, and then I prune off the dead wood. Is that ok?

 

[Donald's #1 Fan]

I have never put a pair of pruning scissors to my bush. The leaves fall off, the heads dry up, it looks dead - and then come the Spring, the buds appear, followed by the flowers. Just leave it alone, but make sure it is well watered after the sun goes down.

 

[Kaybee]

Mine didn't bloom either until I read on the internet they you need to fertilize them frequently. So, this year I did use a bloom booster on them and it worked, they bloomed beautiful blue flowers!! I fertilized them about 4 times during the spring and summer.

 

[DebºoºS]

Mine didn't/hasn't bloomed yet either. I read last year that the seasonal store bought ones are very hard to grow. That's not really my problem. It's growing just not blooming. This year I'll follow the tips I just learned here. Thanks Buds!