The hydrangea is not blooming - what could be the cause?

The hydrangea is not blooming - what could be the cause?

Young plants must first acclimate

Hydrangeas often do not bloom in the first year after planting. The shrub initially puts all its strength into root formation and has to adapt to the changed site conditions. If you have patience with the beautiful shrub, it is guaranteed to reward you with rich flowering in the second year.

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Location and optimal neighbors

Like many flowering plants, the hydrangea has very specific requirements for its location. The hydrangeas do not bloom or only bloom very sparsely if the place where they are used is too dark or if there is an acute lack of nutrients. A slightly shady place that should be protected from the wind and that gives the hydrangea plenty of room to grow is very suitable. A bare spot under a deep-rooted tree is ideal. The wood protects the hydrangea from wind, midday sun and heavy rain and thus promotes healthy growth.

An optimal supply of nutrients ensures abundance of flowers

Hydrangeas prefer a slightly acidic subsoil with a pH of around 4.5. You can easily measure this yourself with chopsticks from the gardening trade and, if necessary, improve the soil by adding rhododendron soil.

Fertilize the hydrangea twice a year with a suitable fertilizer so that the plant can absorb all the nutrients and trace elements necessary for vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

Water regularly

The plant name hydrangea means “water slurper” and refers to the hydrangea's large amount of water. Even two days of drought can mean that the hydrangea wilts or does not flower. Therefore, always water the shrub when the top inches of the soil feel dry. However, avoid waterlogging, to which the hydrangea is very sensitive.

Wrong cut

If you cut back the hydrangea too much in autumn, the flowers can fall victim to this maintenance measure. Many hydrangea varieties form the flower bases for the following spring as early as autumn, which are unintentionally removed during autumn pruning.

You should therefore carefully break out any that has withered and if possible do not cut back the hydrangea in autumn. Only remove dead wood and damaged branches before the plants receive their winter protection.

Frost damage in rough locations

Even though almost all of the hydrangea varieties available on the market are conditionally hardy, the plants need adequate winter protection. You should not only pile up and mulch young plants, but also protect the hydrangea from frost and icy winds with a suitable fleece.

Tips & Tricks

Since hydrangeas are very faithful to the soil, you should plan the planting carefully. If the hydrangea feels good, it hardly needs any care and blooms abundantly in the second year at the latest.