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How to Plant and Care for Hydrangea Bushes
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You should be reading the plant tag. Does the container indicate the source or plant “brand” (the wholesaler who potted and nurtured it)? If so, Google to see what it says about care. Or just Google “snowball hydrangea.” There are many hydrangea varieties and each has specific needs. Does the plant tag say it likes sun or shade? Did you water it? Gift plants are usually forced to flower…and once gifted left to fend for themselves. Do this and let us know what happens.
I have had my hydrangea plants for more than 5 years now.
When I bought them they had flowers on them. I cut them back in early spring every year and they grow back huge. BUT I have never had them flower since I planted them. They get so close every year as I get small green buds but nothing more than this (nothing resembling a flower).
I have read up on how to get them to flower but can’t find any information on anything like what my plants do.
They get full sun half the day and full shade the rest of the day.
Any thoughts would be so appreciated. Thank you!
You indicate what they get in the way of sun and shade but is that what they need? Are you pruning them properly? It’s practically an art; see above. You might be cutting off the stems that hold the bloom. Have you ever added compost to the soil? Did you fertilize…with a balanced (e.g., 10-10-10) mix or one that’s high nitrogen (e.g., 20-10-10)? If so, you’re encouraging leaf over bloom. Use a low-nitrigen fert (that would be the first of the three N-P-K numbers cited here), if you use any. Did/do the plants experience a frost? That’ll spoil the flowers. One or a couple of these issues are your answer in all likelihood. Finally, ifyou know the type/name of your plant, you can look it up for more specific pertinent information.
Bred cultivars of H. macrophylla are sterile. Pity that the horticultural trade has shifted the balance to such an obscene degree. Despite their masses of giant pom-pom-like flowers, they offer little, if anything, for pollinators. I personally think, plant breeders have taken it a step too far!
Interesting observation, thank you! It certainly seems like there are too many variations to keep track of!
My hydrangea flower petals are green and don’t turn either blue or pink. What does that mean and how do I fix it? It had blue flowers when purchased. Thanks.
Some sources suggest that this is due to the aluminium in your soil: a lot makes blue flowers, a little results in pink. It may also be due to the plants are not getting enough light; longer days encourage color and as the days shorten the blooms may return to green.Thee is nothing wrong. See how/if they change through the summer.
Hello
I bought several years ago 4 beautiful big leaf hydrangea . They had flowers when i bought them but since then they have never flowered.
I have given them fertilizer, moved them spots but nothing works. I am just disappointed because my other hydrangea an annabelle is thriving at the same spot.
Please help me as i really don't want to pull them out. Thanks
I received a blue potted hyrdrangea plant. Can this be planned in our climate? If so what specific care is needed. I just love these flowers.
I live in zone 5 and have 3 hydrangeas. They are about 3 years old. All three had new green shoots on them this Spring, then we had a late frost. 2 of the plants seemed to have gotten frozen as their green buds have turned brown. Will the plants survive? There is still a little green starting... but very sparse.