Optimal Hydrangea Fertilization: Crucial Tips for Vibrant Bloom
In the world of gardening, hydrangeas are a popular choice for their beautiful blooms and versatile colours. Glen, a gardening expert with over 15 years of experience, shares his insights on how to care for these lovely plants, ensuring lush blooms all season long.
According to Glen, the best fertilizer schedule for hydrangeas involves a strategic approach to nutrient delivery. "Fertilizing hydrangeas in early spring when the soil begins to warm up is essential," Glen explains. He recommends using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 (N-P-K) or a fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs right when green foliage begins to emerge. This provides essential nutrients to support healthy growth.
To encourage large, showy blooms, Glen suggests choosing fertilizers with a higher middle number, which represents phosphorus. For example, a slow-release fertilizer like 12-24-12 (N-P-K) labeled “bloom boost” is recommended. Phosphorus promotes flower formation and helps multiply blooms.
After the first set of blooms fade, Glen advises pruning off the faded flower heads and fertilizing again to encourage the plant to produce a new round of flowers.
It's important to note that hydrangeas should not be fertilized during the summer months to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
In terms of soil pH, Glen explains that amending soil to be more acidic by adding composted oak leaves, pine needles, or coffee grounds, or using a soil acidifier product promotes blue flowers. To maintain pink tones, garden lime should be used to increase soil alkalinity.
Here's a summary of Glen's recommended fertilizer schedule:
| Time | Action | Fertilizer Type | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Early Spring | Fertilize when foliage emerges | Balanced 10-10-10 or slow-release bloom boost (e.g., 12-24-12) | | After first blooms fade | Prune faded blooms and re-fertilize | Same as early spring or bloom-boost fertilizer | | Summer | Avoid fertilizing | None | | Ongoing | Amend soil pH as desired for flower colour | Soil acidifier or garden lime |
Hydrangeas also thrive best with morning sun and afternoon shade, and require regular watering, especially as the weather gets warmer. Proper spacing for good air circulation is also crucial.
Glen emphasizes the importance of protecting hydrangeas from winter damage by adding a thick layer of mulch around the base and shielding them from harsh winds.
In addition to his expertise on hydrangeas, Glen creates helpful content for a blog, including posts about garden fungicides, candy cane peppers, and watermelon harvesting. His wealth of knowledge makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to cultivate a beautiful garden.
Glen's blog also delves into various topics, such as garden fungicides, candy cane peppers, and watermelon harvesting, showcasing his extensive knowledge that extends beyond hydrangeas. In the realm of home-and-garden lifestyle, he recommends a lifestyle that nurtures hydrangeas by fertilizing them with a balanced 10-10-10 or slow-release bloom boost fertilizer in early spring, pruning off faded flower heads, and re-fertilizing after the first blooms fade for optimal blooms. To maintain the desired flower color, one should amend the soil pH according to preference, with acidic soil promoting blue flowers and alkaline soil maintaining pink tones.
