Popular bigleaf hydrangeas got a major upgrade in 2004 with the development of Endless Summer, the first reblooming hydrangea variety. Instead of producing a limited number of flowers on "old wood" from the previous year, Endless Summer continually produces new stems and new flowers. And now, the Endless Summer collection includes five unique varieties (the newest is 'Summer Crush,' a compact, container-friendly shrub with flowers that can vary from raspberry-red to vibrant purple). But that constant growth and flowering uses up a lot of nutrients, so it's important to give your reblooming hydrangeas the fuel they need, with an easy-to-use fertilizer applied at the right times in the season.
Feeding your reblooming hydrangea begins with finding the right product. Your local garden center's fertilizer section likely has an overwhelming number of options, so it's important to know exactly what to seek out. "You're looking for a slow-release granular fertilizer that is labeled 'bloom boost,'" says Endless Summer expert Ryan McEnaney from Bailey Nurseries. Bloom boost fertilizers, such as Flower-tone ($12, Ace Hardware), have a higher level of phosphorus, which is the nutrient that promotes flower formation. Phosphorus is the middle number in the N-P-K nutrient label.
A slow-release fertilizer is packaged into tiny pellets that break down over a period of time, supplying nutrients over weeks or months. This product just needs to be sprinkled onto the soil around the base of your plants, then watered lightly. As always, follow the package directions so that you use the correct amount.
When to Fertilize Endless Summer Hydrangea
In general, as soon as your hydrangea bushes start growing again after the winter, it's time to fertilize. "Just like you and I thrive with a shot of caffeine to wake us up in the morning, Endless Summer hydrangeas bloom best with an early spring application of fertilizer," McEnaney says. Fertilize your plants when you see green foliage begin to emerge from the bases of the stems. If your growing region experiences long, cold winters, expect to see green leaves in mid spring, after the soil warms up a bit.
After your hydrangeas first bloom in late spring or early summer, you can push them to send up a second bloom with another dose of fertilizer. Wait until the first set of flowers begins to fade, then follow the package instructions to apply more of the same slow-release bloom-boosting fertilizer you used in the spring. Make way for the new flowers by snipping off the faded blossoms, pruning away each flower head down to the first set of leaves.
How to Change the Colors of Endless Summer Hydrangeas
Fertilization. Fertilize your Endless Summer Hydrangeas in the spring with Holly-tone for blue flowers or Plant-tone and granulated lime for purple to pink flowers. For best flowering we recommend fertilizing in April, May and June with 1 cup of fertilizer for each foot of branch spread.
We suggest one application of granular fertilizer in spring or early summer, and then follow package instructions afterwards. If you over-fertilize, it can burn the root system of your hydrangea bushes and actually inhibit bloom production.
Since Endless Summer® Hydrangeas bloom on last year's growth (“old wood”) as well as the current season's growth (“new wood”), you will get the most flowers by protecting the flower buds on the old wood. To do this, do NOT prune or cut back your shrubs after August 1st.
To grow hydrangeas in planting beds, focus on improving the native soil. One simple way to do that is to combine equal parts existing soil and Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees and Shrubs.
It may seem counterintuitive, but deadheading doesn't hurt the plant at all. In fact, because Endless Summer® hydrangeas rebloom, deadheading helps focus the hydrangeas energy on producing more blooms for you to enjoy throughout the season.
Organic, slow-release fertilizers for roses (such as a 15-10-10, or 10-5-5 formula) work well on hydrangeas, giving the plants the nutrients they need to increase the size and quantity of their blooms.
Water your hydrangeas in the morning before the heat of the sun is strong enough to quickly evaporate soil moisture. Try to avoid watering at night, which can encourage mold and mildew as the moisture sits through the cool night. Water your hydrangeas through the growing season as well as in late fall.
It is better to thoroughly soak your hydrangeas every 2-3 days as opposed to a light daily shower, which may not seep far enough down to impact the roots. Water in the morning to give your plant the moisture it needs to hydrate throughout the day, and apply the water directly to the base and soil.
Which hydrangea fertilizer gives the best results? Hydrangeas thrive when fed a balanced or all-purpose fertilizer like 10-10-10 NPK or 12-4-8 NPK. Fertilizers formulated for roses are another good choice.
Make the soil more acidic. Use soil acidifiers like sulfur or specialized products. Organic options include coffee grounds or pine needles. Add aluminum sulfate for a vibrant blue.
Endless Summer hydrangeas grow best in partial sun. A location that receives morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is ideal. If these hydrangeas are planted in full sun, conditions might be too hot and intense for the plants to produce blooms. Planting in too much shade results in weak stems and fewer blooms.
'Endless Summer' hydrangeas require minimal care once established. They prefer 6 hours of sun in our Northern climate, with dappled shade in the afternoon. I fertilize mine once in the spring with a 10-30-10 fertilizer to encourage flower formation.
This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home.
All hydrangeas will turn brown if they wilt too many times in hot weather. Water these shrubs deeply every few days in the heat of the summer (note that hand watering isn't deep enough) and mulch around plants to hold moisture in the soil longer.
While purple leaves could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, it is also possible that the soil temperature needs to warm up, as temperatures warm up the purple will go away. We suggest you use a balanced fertiliser for your hydrangea such as Tui NovaTec Premium or Tui General Fertiliser.
Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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:strip_icc()/endless-summer-bloomstruck-hydrangea-d697612d-5c1e6f6c191640b889a8d1758dde890c.jpg "The Best Fertilizer for Endless Summer Hydrangeas (and When to Use it) (1)")
