Marianne's Response

Immature Hydrangea blooms

My hydrangea never has had mature blossoms. It blooms but never shows the big flowers that I see in other people’s yards. I’ve put osmocote at the base of the plant to no avail. How can I get the big mature blossoms that others have?

Posted by Thomas Nelson on September 2, 2019

Marianne's Response

The good news is there is nothing wrong with your hydrangea - it is a "lacecap" variety and is loved for the delicate unopened buds in the center. The bad news is you cannot change the type of flower shape so even with fertilizer it will continue to be a lace cap hydrangea form. The big balls of blooms you desire are from the more common hydrangea such as "Endless Summer" or the white blooming "Incrediball" varieties. I suggest you buy your next hydrangea when it is in bloom so you will know exactly what the shape of the flowers will be. Meanwhile, enjoy your more unusual and to some more sophisticated lacecap hydrangea. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti