Hydrangea Blooms: A Guide to When and How They Flower

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The question of when hydrangeas bloom may seem simple, but the answer can be more complex than expected. Hydrangeas typically bloom from late spring to early fall, but various types of hydrangeas have different bloom times, with some flowering much earlier than others.

Factors such as climate, weather conditions, pruning, and care practices can impact the blooming of hydrangeas, causing them to bloom earlier, later, or not at all. By following the tips provided, you can determine when your hydrangeas will bloom and learn how to encourage more abundant flowering.

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Curious about when your hydrangeas will bloom? The timing depends on the type you’re growing. Hydrangea varieties that bloom on previous year’s growth typically blossom in the spring or summer. Meanwhile, hydrangeas that bloom on new growth usually flower from summer to early fall. Some hydrangeas even have the ability to bloom multiple times throughout the growing season.

Old wood blooming hydrangeas include climbing hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and bigleaf hydrangeas like mophead, lacecap, and mountain hydrangeas. These plants usually bloom from May to July.

On the other hand, panicle hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas bloom on new growth, generally flowering from June to September. These hydrangeas are known for being the highlight of fall gardens, with their dried flowers often lasting through the winter.

Understanding the Hydrangea Growing Season
One key aspect to keep in mind about hydrangeas is that old wood hydrangeas not only bloom earlier than new wood hydrangeas, but they also develop flower buds much earlier as well.

New wood hydrangea buds start to form as the plant starts growing in the spring, while old wood hydrangeas create their flower buds during the previous growing season. Typically, old wood hydrangea buds form from summer to fall after the plant finishes flowering, and these buds stay on the plant throughout the winter.

It is crucial to avoid pruning old wood hydrangeas before they flower in the spring as it can remove the flower buds, resulting in hydrangeas without blooms. To prevent this, it is recommended to only prune old wood hydrangeas right after they flower and before the plants start developing new buds. Pruning new wood hydrangeas is more flexible in terms of timing, but it is usually done when the plants are dormant in the winter.

The perfect conditions for hydrangeas to thrive and bloom include planting them in an area with full sun to partial shade and keeping the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. In warmer climates, it’s best to place hydrangeas where they can get morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent wilting and minimize blooming.

Hydrangeas can adapt to various soil types, but they prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is nutrient-rich. It’s important to select hydrangea varieties that are suitable for your specific climate, as some are more cold-hardy, like panicle and smooth hydrangeas that can withstand zone 3 temperatures. Bigleaf, oakleaf, and climbing hydrangeas are more heat tolerant and thrive in zones 5 to 9.

10 Fantastic Tips for Keeping Your Hydrangeas Happy
Knowing how to properly care for hydrangeas is key to their health and blooming success. Follow these helpful tips to ensure your hydrangeas thrive.

After your hydrangeas finish flowering in late summer or early fall, prune old wood hydrangeas. For new wood hydrangeas, prune them while they are dormant in winter.
Boost blooming by fertilizing your hydrangeas with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at least once a year in late winter or early spring.
Encourage reblooming by deadheading fading hydrangea flowers.
In hot climates, plant hydrangeas in partial afternoon shade to prevent wilted leaves and heat stress.
Keep hydrangeas well-watered with about one to two inches of water per week. Consider installing a drip irrigation system for convenient watering.
Protect plant roots and prevent rapid soil drying by applying a two to three inch layer of natural mulch around your hydrangeas annually.
Ensure proper spacing for your hydrangeas to prevent overcrowding and stress, which can hinder flowering.
Select hydrangea varieties that are the right size for your garden to minimize the need for pruning.
Boost soil nutrients and blooming potential by applying compost annually beneath your hydrangeas.
In cold climates, shield old wood hydrangeas with burlap to safeguard flower buds from winter damage.