Marianne's Response

hydrangeas not blooming

I have 5-6 hydrangeas that are at least 6 years old. For the past 3 years they will not bloom. We do not cut them back at all ever. We live in Ohio. What am I doing wrong.

Posted by Linda Auman on April 13, 2018

Marianne's Response

It may not be your fault, but you might want to blame the weather. When hydrangeas are hit with a cold blast in March the newly forming buds can be destroyed and you'll have foliage instead of flowers. Hydrangeas also bloom best with at least partial sun (morning sun is best) and enough water in the late summer and autumn to help them form flower buds. Perhaps you can provide some protection for your hydrangeas with nearby evergreens for screening or move them to a more protected location out of the wind - or perhaps this winter was mild enough in your area that the hydrangeas will get a chance to flower. Just to be sure that lack of nutrients is not to blame spread half a cup of Osmocote around the base of each hydrangea and work this in gently now. The hydrangeas will use the slow release fertilizer in the summer, when they are actively growing and need it the most. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti.