How to Increase and Maximize Hydrangea Blooms

I love hydrangeas and have over 28 different varieties in my yard. In this post, I’ll share tips on how to get the most out of your hydrangea blooms. Learn the key factors for healthy blooms, pruning, fertilizing and planting techniques to maximize their bloom potential . Also, learn how to get more blooms from your hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas are beloved for their stunning blooms and the ability to transform any garden into a lush, colorful paradise. To ensure your hydrangeas thrive and produce abundant flowers, it’s essential to understand their specific needs and provide proper care. In this post, we share how to grow, dry, preserve, prepare your hydrangeas for beautiful blooms the following year. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your hydrangea blooms.

Types of Hydrangeas

Understanding the different hydrangeas is crucial for proper care:

1. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens): Known for their round flower heads and adaptability to various soil types.
2. Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): Popular for their vibrant flower colors and varieties like mophead and lace-cap hydrangeas.
3. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): Recognized for their cone-shaped flower clusters. One of my favorite panicle species is the Vanilla Strawberry variety.
4. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia): Notable for their oak-like leaves and white blooms.
5. Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala): Ideal for covering walls and trellises.

Key Factors for Healthy Hydrangea Blooms

The following quick tips on caring for your hydrangeas including sun and water requirements.

1. Sunlight Requirements
   • Most hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, especially in the afternoon shade. However, panicle hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas can tolerate full sun.
   • Bigleaf Hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) and Oakleaf Hydrangeas (H. quercifolia) prefer morning sun (early morning) and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
   • Panicle Hydrangeas love the sun. Learn how to plant and care for panicle hydrangeas here.
2. Soil Conditions
   • Hydrangeas need well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
   • The soil pH affects the flower color of bigleaf hydrangeas. Acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil results in pink flowers. Adjust the pH using aluminum sulfate for more acidity or garden lime for more alkalinity.
3. Watering Needs
   • Hydrangeas require consistent moisture but should not be over-watered. Ensure deep root growth by providing enough water, especially during the growing season.
   • Avoid letting the soil dry out entirely or become waterlogged, as both extremes can stress the plants.
   • Panicle Hydrangeas do not need as much water as a mop head hydrangea.

Pruning Tips for Better Blooms

Learning how and when to prune hydrangeas will determine your hydrangea blooms. Not all hydrangeas are pruned alike.

Old Wood vs. New Wood: Understanding whether your hydrangea blooms on old wood (last year’s growth) or new wood (this year’s growth) is essential for proper pruning. The flowers are created on wood that is at least one year old, as opposed to developing in spring, once the new growth emerges. 

• Bigleaf Hydrangeas and Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood. Prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Smooth Hydrangeas and Panicle Hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Prune them in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowers.

Fertilization for Healthy Hydrangea Plants

• Use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
• Avoid using too much nitrogen, as it promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Organic fertilizers are an ideal way to nourish your hydrangeas while improving soil health.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
• Yellow leaves: This could suggest a nutrient deficiency or improper soil pH.
• Leaf Spot: Remove affected leaves and avoid water splashing on the foliage to reduce the spread of fungal spores.
• Spring Frosts: Protect hydrangeas from late spring frosts by covering them with frost cloths or moving potted plants indoors.

Maximizing Bloom Potential

• Plant hydrangeas in the right place with the right amount of sunlight.
• Provide proper care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning at the right times.
• Use organic matter to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
• Ensure consistent moisture throughout the growing season to support abundant flowers.

By understanding the needs of your hydrangea plants and providing the right care, you will enjoy beautiful, showy flowers year after year. Whether you’re growing smooth hydrangeas, bigleaf hydrangeas, or any other type, following these tips will help you achieve better blooms and a stunning garden display.

How to Change the Color of Your Hydrangeas

• The color of bigleaf hydrangea blooms can be influenced by the soil pH. To achieve blue flowers, make the soil more acidic by adding aluminum sulfate. For pink flowers, increase the alkalinity with garden lime.
• It can take several months to see a change in color, so patience and consistent soil testing are key.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
• Yellow Leaves: This could signal a nutrient deficiency or improper soil pH.
• Leaf Spot: Remove affected leaves and avoid water splashing on the foliage to reduce the spread of fungal spores.
• Spring Frosts: Protect hydrangeas from late spring frosts by covering them with frost cloths or moving potted plants indoors.

How to Revive Cut Hydrangea Flower Blooms

People know hydrangea blooms for their lush beauty and vibrant colors, which makes them a favorite choice for floral arrangements. However, cut hydrangea flowers can sometimes wilt quickly, even with proper care. If your hydrangea blooms start to look a bit droopy, don’t worry! Here are some tips to help revive and maximize your hydrangea blooms to keep them looking fresh for as long as possible.

How to Revive Cut Hydrangea Blooms

The following are key tips on how to maximize and perserce your cut hydrangea flowers.

1. Trim the Stems
   • Start by trimming the stems of your hydrangea flowers at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Use sharp scissors or a knife to make a clean cut.
2. Submerge in Water
   • Submerge the entire hydrangea flower head in a bowl of room-temperature water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps hydrate the flowers from both the stems and the petals.
3. Hot Water Treatment
   • For an added boost, you can use the hot water treatment. Trim the stems again and promptly place them in a container of hot water (about 110°F/43°C) for about 30 seconds. Then, transfer the stems to a vase with fresh, cool water. This helps to clear any blockages in the stem and improves water uptake.
4. Change the Water Regularly
   • Change the water in the vase every two to three days. Clean water prevents bacteria from building up, which can block the stems and hinder water absorption.
5. Add Floral Preservative
   • Add a floral preservative to the water. If you don’t have a commercial preservative, you can make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of bleach, and 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice per quart of water. This helps to nourish the flowers and keep the water clean.
6. Mist the Flowers
   • Lightly mist the hydrangea blooms with water every day. This can help keep the petals hydrated and fresh.
7. Keep Cool
   • Keep the flowers in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts. Hydrangeas last longer in cooler temperatures.
8. Remove Wilting Leaves
   • If any leaves start to wilt, remove them from the stem. This prevents them from taking up water that the blooms need.

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Extra Tips for Arranging Hydrangeas

• Hydration Before Arranging: Before arranging your hydrangeas in a vase, let them hydrate for a few hours or overnight in a cool, dark place.
• Use Clean Tools and Vases: Always use clean tools and vases to prevent bacterial growth, which can shorten the life of your flowers.
• Avoid Ethylene Gas: Keep your hydrangeas away from fruits like apples and bananas, which release ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age more quickly.

By following these steps, you can extend the life of your cut hydrangea blooms and keep them looking vibrant and beautiful for your enjoyment. Hydrangeas can be a stunning addition to any floral arrangement, and with a little extra care, you can enjoy their beauty for much longer.

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Drying Hydrangeas for Long-Lasting Beauty

• Cut hydrangea flowers when they are at their peak and remove the leaves.
• Hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
• Alternatively, you can place the stems in a vase with a few inches of water and allow the water to evaporate naturally, drying the flowers in the process.

Sources:

• Amy Enfield, Gardening Expert
• Venelin Dimitrov, Horticulturist