Hydrangeas are stunning flowering shrubs, but sometimes they refuse to bloom or produce fewer flowers than expected. If you want lush, vibrant blooms, follow these key steps based on expert advice from Daniel from Plantophiles.
Blooming Hydrangea
He had subpar looking Hydrangeas for years, but these 7 tips helped him to change this for the better:
7 Things to do this Spring for a Blooming Hydrangea
1. Prune Right
Improper pruning is a common reason hydrangeas fail to bloom. Some hydrangeas bloom on old wood (last year’s growth), while others bloom on new wood (current season’s growth). Old Wood Bloomers (Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Mountain Hydrangeas):
Prune right after flowering in summer. New Wood Bloomers (Panicle, Smooth Hydrangeas): Prune in late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning in fall or spring for old-wood varieties, or you’ll cut off next year’s buds.
Hydrangea Care Guide
2. Use the right Fertilizer
Organic Fertilizers are the best choice for vegetables, herbs and citrus fruits
Provide the Right Fertilizer Hydrangeas need balanced nutrition for optimal blooms: Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 12-4-8) in early spring.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth over flowers. For blue hydrangeas, use an acidic fertilizer to maintain soil pH (5.2–5.5). For pink hydrangeas, use a higher pH fertilizer (6.0–6.2).
3. Proper Sunlight
Ensure Proper Sunlight Morning sun + afternoon shade is ideal for most hydrangeas (especially Bigleaf varieties). Panicle hydrangeas tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Too much shade = fewer blooms; too much sun = wilted or scorched leaves.
4. Watering Deeply
Top watering can cause septoria leaf spot
Water Deeply and Consistently Hydrangeas love moisture but hate soggy roots: Water 1-2 inches per week, more in hot weather. Mulch with 2-3 inches of organic matter (bark, compost) to retain moisture. Wilting? Check soil—hydrangeas droop when thirsty but recover with water. Overwatering can also cause root rot.
5. Bud Protection
Protect Buds from Late Frost A late frost can kill emerging buds on old-wood hydrangeas. Cover plants with frost cloth if a freeze is predicted after new growth appears. Avoid fertilizing too early in spring, which can stimulate tender growth vulnerable to frost.
6. Avoid Overcrowding
Hydrangea
Avoid Overcrowding Hydrangeas need good air circulation to prevent disease and encourage blooms. Space plants properly (3–6 feet apart, depending on variety). Remove weak or crossing branches to improve light penetration.
7. Soil Testing
Testing the PPM concentration in water using a TDS Meter
Test and Adjust Soil pH Soil pH affects bloom color (for Bigleaf hydrangeas) and nutrient availability. For blue blooms: Acidic soil (pH 5.2–5.5) + aluminum sulfate. For pink blooms: Alkaline soil (pH 6.0–6.2) + lime. A soil test kit helps determine pH and nutrient needs.
Final Tip
Be Patient! Some hydrangeas take a year or two to establish before blooming heavily. If you’ve followed these steps and still see few flowers, check for pests, diseases, or extreme weather stress. By following these 7 essential steps, your hydrangeas will reward you with bigger, brighter, and more abundant blooms each season!
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.