How To Get Hydrangeas To Bloom

Why Aren’t My Hydrangeas Blooming?

“Help! My hydrangea is not flowering!” It’s an all too common occurrence, often found in the comment sections of blog articles and on garden forums. Each season, even the most experienced gardeners may find themselves frustrated when these otherwise beautiful shrubs fail to bloom. 

When your hydrangeas are not flowering it can be due to any one of many factors. Below, we will explore several of the most common causes of hydrangeas not blooming in greater detail and discuss how to get hydrangeas to bloom.

When my hydrangeas are not blooming, I carefully consider all the growing conditions within my garden. Hydrangeas often fail to flower or perform poorly when their needs have not been properly met. This includes their requirements for light, consistent moisture, and even fertility levels within the soil. Consider these factors:

Improper Pruning

Among the most common explanations for failure to bloom, in hydrangeas, is pruning. Improper pruning, or the accidental removal of flower buds, will result in a season without blooms. This is especially true for varieties that bloom exclusively on old wood, such as many Hydrangea macrophylla types. 

Insufficient Light

Most hydrangeas thrive where they can receive a healthy mix of sun and shade throughout the day. Plants that have been grown in excess shade will often suffer in terms of flower production. Shrubs that receive too much sun throughout the day may also struggle to produce blooms. In these instances, the best solution is often to move or transplant bushes into new beds, with better conditions for growth. 

Insufficient Water

While hydrangeas may not require supplemental water in many regions, those grown under especially dry conditions may become stressed. This stress will often manifest in a lack of blooms or plants that become dry and brittle. Shrubs in beds that are especially hot or receive ample sunlight may also require more frequent irrigation. 

Insufficient Soil 

Hydrangea plants will grow best in rich, well-amended soil. Poor soil may cause the plant to languish. The addition of high-quality compost and other amendments at planting time can help new shrubs off to a quick start. Bushes are then fed annually, with the use of a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Growers should use care to avoid overfeeding, as excess nutrients may also inhibit bloom. 

Other Damage

Hydrangea plants can become damaged in a large number of ways. Environmental factors, like weather, are often the cause. Shrubs that have been injured by extreme cold or winter storms, specifically, will struggle to bloom the following season. Browsing animals, like deer and rabbits, are yet another culprit. These pests may destroy or damage buds as they feed on foliage throughout the season.

How to Get Hydrangeas to Bloom

Encouraging hydrangeas to bloom in the garden should begin with research into each specific type of hydrangea you are growing. Becoming more familiar with each species will help to better understand the cultivar’s specific needs for pruning, as well as ideal conditions for growth. 

Though meeting these demands will often require some patience, healthy hydrangea shrubs are sure to reward you with bountiful blooms for many years to come.