How to make hydrangeas bloom? - Knowledgebase Question

oak ridge, n.
Avatar for corinnet
Question by corinnet
September 19, 2005
I have three beautiful hydrangea, that no longer bloom. I cut them back each year, they grow beautiful green foliage, but no blooms. Help!!!!!


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Answer from NGA
September 19, 2005
The most common reason for hydrangeas failing to bloom is pruning at the wrong time of year. Hydrangeas bloom on new shoots that develop on old wood. So, if the plant is heavily pruned, or if last winters weather killed back the stems, the plant will have no old wood on which to produce new flowering stems. Instead, it will spend the year growing stems and leaves instead of producing flowers. Try cutting back the stems down to 18" above soil level in the early spring, just as the leaf buds begin to swell. This will provide old wood for flowering shoots and also help keep the plant looking neat and well-maintained.

Best wishes with your hydrangeas!

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