Two answers for this question!
Q. I planted Hydrangea Endless Summer Macrophylla mophead three years ago. Bloomed first year and hasn’t bloomed since. Plant looks great. Any ideas?
Gibson, Illinois
A. Hydrangeas not blooming after planting is very common. The plant spends its energy on providing the plant with new leaves and growth once it is moved form a container to the ground. Combine that with the possibility of a higher Nitrogen level and low level of Phosphorus in the soil and you get a healthy growing plant, but one that doesn’t want to bloom.
Simply fertilize your hydrangea two to three times a year with a higher phosphate granular fertilizer over the next year or two and the hydrangea will go back into blooming sequence. A 0-30-0 fertilizer will work well for you. Be sure to read the package for directions. You don’t want to over apply the fertilizer. I would think 1/8 cup of fertilizer would be adequate for each application.
Todd A. Efing, Nursery Manager
Van Putte Gardens
Rochester, New York
A. The problem may be water related. I have been growing Endless Summer for four years. It bloomed well the first year, struggled mightily the next two years, and is blooming prolifically this year. The Hydrangea is planted on a south facing slope, actually not the best location for this plant, and the last two summers have been very dry in Cleveland. I do have irrigation but irrigation is not the same as periodic rainfall. This year, we’ve had a very wet spring and cooler temperatures than normal with some intermittent hot and dry periods. Now we are being inundated with rain again.
Perennially,
Bobbie Schwartz
Bobbie’s Green Thumb
Shaker Heights, Ohio
