If the hoped-for blooming splendor of the hydrangea does not materialize, this can have various reasons. In addition to the wrong cut or frost damage, various other care mistakes or the wrong location can be responsible for the fact that the actually very floriferous hydrangea only forms leaves.

Young plants must first acclimate

Hydrangeas often do not flower in the first year after planting. The shrub initially puts all its energy into rooting and has to adapt to the changed site conditions. If you have a little patience with the beautiful shrub, it will definitely reward you with a rich bloom in the second year.

Location and optimal neighbors

Like many flowering plants, the hydrangea has very specific requirements when it comes to the location. The hydrangeas do not bloom or bloom only very sparingly if the spot where they are planted is too dark or there is an acute lack of nutrients. A slightly shady place that is protected from the wind and offers 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 nutrient supply ensures abundance of flowers

Hydrangeas prefer a slightly acidic substrate with a pH of around 4.5. You can easily measure this yourself with sticks from the garden trade and, if necessary, improve the soil by introducing rhododendron soil.

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

Water regularly

The plant name Hydrangea means "water slurper" and refers to the large water requirement of the hydrangea. As little as two days of drought can cause the hydrangea to wilt or fail to bloom. Therefore, always water the shrub when the top centimeters of 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 care measure. Many hydrangea varieties form the flower buds for the following spring as early as autumn, which are unintentionally removed during autumn pruning.

Therefore, be careful when breaking out faded flowers and, if possible, do not cut back the hydrangea in autumn. Only remove deadwood and damaged branches before the plants receive their winter protection.

Frost damage in harsh locations

Despite the fact that almost all commercially available hydrangea varieties are partially hardy, the plants need adequate winter protection. You should not only pile up and mulch young plants in particular, but also protect the hydrangea from frost and icy winds with a suitable fleece.

tips and tricks

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

Category:

Vegetable garden