How to achieve a gorgeous hydrangea bloom

If the rose is called the queen of the garden, then the hydrangea is at least a duchess. It is a beautiful plant with huge caps of fluffy flowers that will delight you throughout the summer. But what if the hydrangea blooms rather poorly or does not bloom at all? Of course, each type of hydrangea has its own characteristics of flowering, but most often its absence is associated with mistakes in caring for the plant. In this article, we will talk about the most popular varieties of hydrangea and tell you what to do to make them bloom more luxuriantly.

Hydrangea bloom

In order to create comfortable conditions for a plant, you must first study its needs. For good growth and flowering of hydrangeas, the following factors are decisive: soil acidity, water, fertilizers, pruning.

If we talk about the acidity of the soil, then hydrangea is one of the few plants that prefer acidic soil, it is on it that they willingly grow and bloom luxuriantly. Some species are able to change the color of the inflorescences depending on the change in the level of acidity, but nevertheless, a moderately acidic soil is optimal.

Hydrangea is also one of the most moisture-loving plants; when caring for a shrub, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. With a lack of moisture, hydrangea leaves instantly sag and look lethargic. On the other hand, excess moisture can be as destructive as lack of moisture, therefore, correctly regulate the mode and volume of watering.

There is no consensus about fertilizers; some gardeners argue that hydrangea does not need additional nutrition. But in all tanks, most experienced gardeners recommend feeding nutrients throughout the growing season, if you walk to get a lush flowering from the shrub and help it stock up on nutrients for the coming winter. In the spring, nitrogen fertilization should be carried out, and potash and phosphorus fertilizers should be applied at the beginning of summer and in September.

Features of flowering hydrangea of ​​different types

Sometimes gardeners abuse hydrangea pruning without specifying whether this particular variety can be pruned. Some species form inflorescences on young shoots, respectively, autumn pruning will only benefit them. And many types of hydrangea are able to form inflorescences only on the shoots of last year, cutting off such bushes in the fall, you will never wait for flowering.

Paniculata varieties hydrangeas bloom just on young shoots, therefore such popular varieties as Large-flowered, Vanilla Strawberry, Limelight you can safely cut it off without fear of harming the flowering. In cold regions, it is better to plant such a plant in a sunny place, and in the south, where the climate is hotter, the place for the hydrangea must be chosen so that the plant is in partial shade for part of the day. Like any plant, hydrangea needs sunlight, but under the scorching midday rays, it will not feel very good.

In order for panicle hydrangeas to bloom profusely, they must be watered in a timely manner, pruning should be carried out in the spring, before sap flow begins. Feed your hydrangea with organic matter, it responds especially well to compost. And also do not forget to remove faded inflorescences.

Smooth-leaved varieties hydrangeas such as Anabel, Bella Anna, Invisible Spirit, like paniculata, bloom on the shoots of the current year. This is one of the most unpretentious types of hydrangea, which got its name for its large, smooth leaves.Care for smooth-leaved varieties should be the same as for paniculate varieties, spring pruning should be carried out annually, and the plant will annually delight you with flowering.

Large-leaved varieties We will pay a little more attention to hydrangeas, since in most cases it is they who have problems with flowering. Flowers are formed on the shoots of last year, if you recklessly cut the hydrangea, or poorly covered it for the winter and the shoots are frozen, then, of course, the plant will not be able to bloom.

In the spring, if necessary, it is necessary to carry out sanitary pruning, removing damaged branches. If the formation of a bush is required, then this should be done in August, since flower buds begin to form in the fall and you will not damage them by pruning in August.

Suitable place for hydrangea bloom

Hydrangea does not grow well in the shade and practically refuses to bloom, but the scorching sun does not suit it either. When choosing a place for a large-leaved hydrangea, make sure that the plant shades during the day and can enjoy the sun in the morning and evening.

In cold regions, problems may arise with the cultivation of large-leaved hydrangea, since the plant is forced to face an early autumn cold snap, and return spring frosts, and severe winters. You can mulch the trunk circle and wrap the plant during frosts, or you can change tactics and transplant the hydrangea into containers, then it will be easier to protect the plant from adverse weather conditions. Some of the most popular varieties of large-leaved hydrangea are Green Shadow, Hamburg, Bailmer.

In order to provide the plant with the most comfortable conditions and admire the flowers all summer long, it is necessary to choose a suitable place for the shrub, carry out regular feeding, water and make sure that the soil in the trunk circle (or container) remains moist, but the water does not stagnate. Do not cut off the branches of hydrangea unnecessarily (mechanical damage, freezing, disease).

When planting, do not place the hydrangeas too close to each other, the plants should have enough space. For the winter period, take care of additional shelter: mulch the soil well, and wrap the branches of the plant with burlap, geotextiles or old blankets (do not use a plastic whip, the plant will melt under it). If you are growing large-leaved hydrangeas in containers, move them to a cool basement or cellar for the winter and water them moderately from time to time.

Conclusion.

Hydrangea is not as demanding in care as some novice growers assume. Knowing the hydrangea variety, you can provide it with good care without much effort, and the plant will thank you with gorgeous flowers.