“There’s a bit of an art when it comes to getting your hydrangeas to bloom to their fullest potential,” noted Jill Drago.
In her piece to Epic Gardening, Jill encouraged fans of hydrangeas to first “choose the right plant”.
Jill explained: “You will need to consider how much sunlight it will receive [in your garden].”
Sun-drenched gardens would fare better with hydrangeas that love the sun, such as Hydrangea paniculata, whereas more shady areas would be more suitable for plants that prefer indirect sunlight.
Jill recommended saving the plant tag “to get familiar with the recommended growing conditions” for your specific hydrangeas.
When it comes to planting hydrangeas, the tag will reveal if the plant requires anything from three to ten feet apart to grow in the best conditions.
Jill said: “It can be really tempting to plant your hydrangeas closer together so they will fill in your garden spaces quicker.
“But that can be detrimental to the overall health of your plant, including the blooms.”
If hydrangeas are planted too close together then the lack of airflow may lead to the development of damaging fungal diseases.
Jill added: “While you are looking to boost your hydrangea blooms it can seem tempting to fertilise your plants. Unfortunately, fertilising blindly can cause damage to your plants.”
Jill recommended a “soil test” to determine a beneficial feeding plan to put compost around the base of the plant.
“All flowering plants need phosphorus to produce their best blooms,” Jill revealed, which is why a fertiliser labelled “for flowering shrubs and trees” would be best.
There is a caveat, however, when it comes to fertilising hydrangeas – “do not fertilise hydrangeas after August”, which could hinder the blooms for the following year.
When it comes to watering hydrangeas, you will see when the plant requires refreshment.
A hydrangea whose petals fade in vibrancy and has droopy leaves is in dire need of watering.
Jill noted: “Aluminum sulfate is readily available, and the best product to use to enhance the blues of your flowers.
“If you wish to enhance your pinks or reds, using garden lime will be your best tool.”
