First-time gardeners who choose to plant hydrangea are very curious why they are not blooming. This problem is prevalent, especially during colder months, and one needs to keep in mind these factors to solve the problem of hydrangea not blooming. Most of the time, home gardeners are not aware of the type of hydrangea they are growing, so they are not mindful of properly caring for them. It is vital that you know and studies the kind. You can easily find out the type using an online search.
However, it would help to consider many factors to ensure that your hydrangea will bloom next year’s spring season.
Overdoing the Fertilizer
A common misconception is that adding more fertilizer makes hydrangea not blooming, but this is one of the possible causes. If you see that the plant is growing, you do not need to put more fertilizer, unlike other plants that always need fertilizer. Shrubs like hydrangea do not need excess nutrients. It is vital to do a soil test if you suspect a nutrient deficiency and choose a specific fertilizer that provides the nutrient lacking in the soil. You can consider mulch as a source of nutrients and food for the shrub. Also, more nitrogen will result in fewer flowers and bigger leaves.
Overdoing the Water
It is crucial to bear in mind that too much watering can cause hydrangea, not blooming. With hydrangea, you do not need to shower it with lots of water compared to other types of shrubs. During the first year, it requires daily watering. After that, you need to keep the soil moist and not too wet. You only need to observe soil moistness during the summer months, just like any other typical shrub.
Sudden Temperature Change
Usually, hydrangea not blooming is because of cold weather conditions and sudden changes in temperature during the fall and summer months. This changing weather pattern can damage buds, causing them not to bloom during springtime. You may observe buds on the lower branches away from harsh snow blooms than buds on top because of exposure to snow.
However, buds that grow on old woods are susceptible to this problem than growing on new wood. Buds from old woods form during the middle of summer and early fall to bloom the following spring. These types are H. macrophylla, H. Serrata, and H. quercifolia. Some types are more sturdy during colder months, like H. petiolaris. Those that form buds on new woods like H. arborescens and H. paniculata are not affected by cold.
Too Young to Bloom
Sometimes the cause of hydrangea not blooming is because of its age. Gardeners need to consider the age as well as the size of the shrub. Also, transferring to a new pot can hamper or prevent it from blooming. It may need to establish a healthy root system and buds. Give your hydrangea enough time to grow and develop healthy roots, especially for climbing hydrangea that can take years to flower.
Lack of Sunlight
Lack of enough light is sometimes the cause of hydrangea not blooming, but it depends on the climatic condition. You need to know the requirement for sunlight for your hydrangea. The following is a useful guide.
- It is good to know that all types of hydrangeas can accommodate full sun as long as the soil has enough moisture.
- Consider shaded areas with minimal sunlight for H. macrophylla, H. Serrata, H. petiolaris, and H. quercifolia.
- Hydrangea that blooms on new woods needs more sunlight to bloom.
Incorrect Pruning
Incorrect pruning time causes hydrangea not to bloom as it may cut off new buds. Those that bloom on new wood require pruning every late winter season, while an old wood bloom needs pruning right after flowering to avoid cutting off new buds. It is just a myth that all hydrangea types require hard pruning to bloom because they can flower even without yearly pruning.
Harder winter
Aside from sudden cold temperatures during fall and summer, harder winter that is not usual may cause hydrangea not to bloom. This type of weather phenomenon can cause live plants to have dead stems. It can happen because the crown of the plant is under the ground and offers some protection. The crown’s sturdiness dictates the health of the plant during the colder season. Those that bloom on old wood are prone to winter dieback, and it will not bloom in the next spring season.
