What to Do with Hydrangeas After They Bloom: Tips and Tricks

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Overview of post content

If you're a garden enthusiast, chances are that hydrangeas are your go-to flowering plant. Due to their gorgeous blooms in various colors such as blue, pink, purple, and white, they have become one of the most popular plants around. However, taking care of these plants can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to what to do with them once they have finished blooming.

Importance of knowing what to do with hydrangeas after they bloom

Knowing what to do with hydrangeas is crucial to keep them healthy and blooming year after year. Pruning, deadheading, fertilizing, and preparing for the winter are some of the tasks that you must do at the right time to ensure that the plant thrives and produces more colorful flowers in the next blooming season.

Benefits to hydrangea health and beauty

By following the tips outlined in this post, you will not only increase the number of blooms on your hydrangea plants but also improve their overall health and beauty.

Hydrangea Care and Maintenance After Blooming

Here are some of the simple things you can do to take care of your hydrangeas after they have bloomed:

Pruning Hydrangeas

Pruning is recommended yearly to control the size and shape of the plant. Most hydrangeas bloom on old wood, which means that they produce flower buds on last year's growth. Therefore, prune the plant in late summer or early fall before new growth appears. Cut only the dead or diseased branches and reduce the overall height by a third to a half.

Deadheading Hydrangeas

Deadheading involves removing spent blooms from your hydrangea plant. This process encourages new growth and allows the hydrangea to focus on producing more flowers instead of producing seeds. You can do this throughout the blooming season with clean and sharp pruning shears or use your fingers to pinch off the spent blooms.

Preparing Hydrangeas for Winter

Hydrangeas require winter protection, especially if you live in cold regions. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect it from freezing temperatures. Avoid piling the mulch too high against the stems as it can promote rodent damage and disease.

Fertilizing Hydrangeas

Fertilizing hydrangeas is an essential part of keeping them healthy and blooming. Use a slow-release balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients to the plant without burning the delicate roots. Apply it in early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer once the blooming season is over.

Summary of tips and tricks

Following these basic tips and tricks will help ensure that your hydrangeas remain healthy and beautiful throughout the year. Prune them in late summer, deadhead throughout the blooming season, prepare them for winter, and fertilize them twice a year.

Final thoughts on hydrangea care

Proper care and maintenance of hydrangeas are crucial if you want to enjoy their beautiful blooms throughout the year. Knowing what to do with them after they bloom is essential to keep them healthy and thriving. With these simple tips, you will be able to maintain the beauty of your hydrangea plants for years to come.

FAQ

How do you prune hydrangeas?

Pruning hydrangeas involves removing dead or diseased branches while reducing the overall height by a third to a half in late summer or early fall before new growth appears.

When should I prune my hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas should be pruned in late summer or early fall before new growth appears.

Should I deadhead my hydrangeas?

Deadheading spent blooms from your hydrangea plant encourages new growth and allows the hydrangea to focus on producing more flowers instead of producing seeds.

Can I leave my hydrangeas outside in the winter?

Hydrangeas require winter protection, especially if you live in cold regions. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect it from freezing temperatures.

What kind of fertilizer is best for hydrangeas?

Use a slow-release balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients to the plant without burning the delicate roots. Apply it in early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer once the blooming season is over.

Why are my hydrangea blooms fading or turning brown?

Hydrangea blooms can fade or turn brown due to several reasons such as heat stress, lack of water, nutrient deficiency, or pests and diseases.

Should I water my hydrangeas every day?

No, hydrangeas do not need to be watered every day. Water them thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.

Why aren't my hydrangeas blooming?

Hydrangeas may not bloom if they are not receiving enough light, being pruned at the wrong time, or suffering from nutrient deficiencies.

Can I transplant my hydrangeas after they bloom?

Yes, you can transplant your hydrangeas after they bloom. However, it is recommended to do so in early fall or late winter when the plant is dormant.

Do all hydrangeas need to be pruned after blooming?

No, not all hydrangeas need to be pruned after blooming. Some types of hydrangeas bloom on new wood, such as oakleaf and smooth hydrangeas, so they can be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears.