Sunday, January 15, 2012

Why won'y my hydrangea produce flowers?

It was a small plant which I planted - we live in the north east.

I planted it 3 years ago - the first year I cut the spikes off and have not done it since.Thanks you
Why won'y my hydrangea produce flowers?
Most common reasons a hydrangea won't bloom:



1) Pruning at the wrong time during the season and eliminating next year's flower buds (apparently not your problem).



2) Some Hydrangea flower buds are not cold hardy in zones 5 or less. While mophead hydrangeas will grow like crazy and give you lots of great foliage, the Mophead Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) flower buds burn in a normal zone 5 or colder winter. Pee Gee Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) or annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) flower buds are cold hardy to zone 5.



3) Planted in heavy shade. Too much shade can be a cause of non flowering simply because of the lack of energy from the sun. You will notice less flowers gradually as the years go on. Transplant to a sunnier location.



4) Severe dry spells the season before can and does cause the hydrangea to not flower. This can be avoided by choosing a location that is not too sunny and by adding some supplemental watering during the growing season. Hydrangea will not bloom because of too much sun! Its the lack of water that affects the bloom. The more sun, the more water they need.



5) Use of a high Nitrogen fertilizer will promote lush new growth at the expense of flower production. Use a balanced (10-10-10) slow release, granular fertilizer %26amp; don't over do it.
Reply:what kind of Hydrantea? Is it in full sun--needs to be for best flowering, and do you fertilize it? Keep it well watered and fertilize weekly with a high phosphorous fertilizer.

Use an acidifier if it has a blue flower.
Reply:First of all, if you planted a small plant, it can take several years to get acclimated to where you planted it %26amp; this will affect whether or not it's been blooming.



Secondly, have you planted it in the right spot? Hydrangeas don't like full sun %26amp; should be planted on the northern or eastern side of a building. Also, make sure you're giving it plenty of water. The "Hydra" in teh name hydrangea is from the Greek word for water %26amp; then like plenty of it.



Lastly, unless you have an "Endless Summer" hydrangea, your plant will grow on old wood and should only be pruned right after it flowers in the summer. Pruning in the late winter or early spring will result in your cutting off the part of the limbs that will produce the next season's flowers.



Good luck!

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