Hydrangeas are a popular flowering shrub in Lancaster County. They flower for a long time with big, beautiful blooms. However, if you’re not happy with your hydrangeas, here are five common mistakes you might be making.
You’re not planting hydrangeas in well-drained soil.
Here in Lancaster, we tend to have clay-heavy soil. Amend your soil with compost to create a better bed and more drainage for your hydrangeas. The best way to make sure you’re amending your soil with what it needs is to do a soil test. Then use the results to add the right nutrients.
You’re giving hydrangeas too much sun.
Hydrangeas love morning sun and afternoon shade. Try to plant them in an area that will get the right amount of sunshine at the right time. If they’re already planted, you can transplant them. But make sure you soak them deeply every day or so after transplanting them.
You’re pruning your hydrangeas in the fall.
Hydrangeas set flower buds for the following season in fall, so if you cut them back, you are cutting off all of the blooms. Keep an eye on your hydrangeas as they’re blooming. When most of the flowers have faded, it’s time for pruning. Don’t prune old wood (unless it’s weak or diseased) because that’s where the hydrangea will bloom.
You’re over-fertilizing your hydrangeas.
They don’t need weekly feedings. Fertilize hydrangeas as they’re first waking up in the spring, then one more time in mid-July, as their buds are blooming.
You’re watering your hydrangeas too much.
Stick your finger in the soil past the first knuckle. If it’s dry, give the hydrangea a good soak. If it’s moist or wet, leave it alone.
What are your tips for growing hydrangeas? Share your advice in the comments.