Marianne's Response
Hydrangea
Hi! I planted a pink hydrangea year before last. Last year it produced one bloom. This year zip. It is really big and has lots of leaves but not a bloom. I have a white one right next to it that is full of blooms (I’m sure it is a different variety) and I need to get out and cut off the spent bloom heads since they are about to go to seed. The one that hasn’t bloomed has bigger leaves than the white one but I don’t know it’s variety. Can you make me a suggestion about what I did wrong? I am wondering if I need to cut it back? Or not to cut it back.
Appreciate your help!
linda
Posted by Linda Strummer on August 2, 2018
Marianne's Response
Hydrangeas are most likely to have no blooms if they were pruned incorrectly, if cold weather damaged the buds or if they have a lack of sun. The white variety in flower tells me your pink hydrangea does get enough sun and if you did not prune it last year then I suspect cold winter weather froze the buds. Some hydrangeas such as the mountain hydrangeas and the smooth hydrangeas are very cold tolerant and these come in white forms. The winter tender hydrangeas are the big leaf hydrangeas that come in pink or blue depending on the soil. This winter try piling on a deep mulch of at least 12 inches tall at the base of the plant after the leaves have fallen off. Be sure to remove the mulch in spring when you see new leaves emerging. The mulch may keep the roots warm enough to save the flower buds. You could also try moving the disappointing pink hydrangea to a new location where it will be more protected. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal for a big leaf hydrangea. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
