How can I thicken my hydrangeas?

Cut hydrangea that bloom on new wood back to 12 to 24 inches tall rather than to the ground. This allows the branches a chance to thicken. New growth leafs out from this point and has a stronger base to support it.

How do you keep hydrangeas from getting leggy?

If the plant is leggy when you purchased it, shear the plant back hard by 1/3 to 1/2 its original size. Once it puts on an inch or two of growth, pinch the branch tips to remove just the growing tip. This tip controls branching. Once it is removed the buds below it will turn into two or more stems.

How can I improve my hydrangea growth?

Deeply water 3 times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from consistent moisture. Use a soaker hose to water deeply and keep moisture off the flowers and leaves. Watering in the morning will help prevent hydrangeas from wilting during hot days.

How do you fix sagging hydrangeas?

below the surface of the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, water deeply, holding the hose around the base of the plant for several minutes. Check the moisture level every few days and water when necessary. If this perks your plant up, add 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.)

Why are my hydrangeas falling over?

Hydrangeas may fall over after heavy rains, during excessive bloom production, or if there are heavy winds. Likewise, some hydrangeas simply have softer stems, so they're more likely to flop over compared to other hydrangeas.

Tips for Fertilizing Your Hydrangea

Will hydrangeas perk back up?

Within an hour or so, your lifeless limp hydrangeas blossoms will be back to their full glory. If they don't completely perk up, you can repeat the process, cut another inch or so off the bottom and heat more water. Over the next few hours the blooms should get to their full perky potential.

Is Miracle Grow good for hydrangeas?

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food

This is an all-purpose blossom booster that's suitable for use on a wide variety of perennial and annual blooming plants, including hydrangeas.

Is vinegar good for hydrangeas?

Hydrangea flowers will be pink in alkaline soil, but change to blue in acidic soil. So, mix up some apple cider vinegar and water, and give all the acid-loving plants a treat.

Is Epsom salt good for hydrangeas?

Hydrangea macrophylla, ones with pink and blue ones, are affected by the pH of the soil. A pH below 6 is best for blue flowers; above 6 encourages pink ones. Adding Epsom salts to your plant increases the amount of magnesium in the soil.

What is the best fertilizer for hydrangeas?

A good all purpose 12-4-8 or 10-10-10 composition will provide all the fertilizing hydrangeas need. Either a chemical source or organic matter can be used successfully. Applying a once a year slow-release chemical formulated for shrubs and trees is the simplest solution to hydrangea care and feeding.

What is a natural fertilizer for hydrangeas?

Plants need phosphorus for flower growth, as well as magnesium and other trace minerals, such as iron or calcium. Animal manure is a good, balanced fertilizer for hydrangeas, and household compost is also a good addition to the soil under the plant.

How long does it take hydrangeas to grow full size?

How long does it take for a hydrangea to grow to full size? Though they are fast growing shrubs, it can take 2-4 years for hydrangeas to reach their full size. Some are faster to mature than others.

What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas?

What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas? If you don't prune hydrangeas then they can eventually resemble a tangled mass of woody stems, and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. Regular pruning of hydrangeas helps to maintain their shape and also encourages new growth and a better display of blooms.

Can you cut hydrangeas down to the ground in the fall?

It is easy to grow these hydrangeas because they bloom every year regardless of how they are cared for or treated. They can be pruned to the ground in the fall and they will emerge in the spring with bountiful blooms. However over a period of time this drastic pruning may cause the plant to slowly weaken.

Should you trim off dead hydrangea blooms?

No need to worry – this is simply a sign that it's time to remove the flowers, a process called deadheading. When you deadhead hydrangeas, you aren't harming the plants at all. Removing the spent blooms triggers flowering shrubs to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development.

How far back should I cut my hydrangeas in the fall?

Cut the dead stumps down to their base to completely remove them. This will allow the new growth underneath to have a chance to succeed. Dead and old blooms need to be removed to make room for new buds to come through. Cut the flower head off right above the first few leaves to encourage blooms for the next summer.

Are eggshells good for hydrangeas?

If you want pink hydrangeas, crushed eggshells may be one way to get them. Eggshells will slowly break down and reduce the acidity of your soil—making it harder for hydrangeas to absorb aluminum.

What does bone meal do for hydrangeas?

Bone meal works well with hydrangeas. It is an organic fertilizer and has high amounts of phosphorus and calcium that promote healthy growth and help produce large, bright blooms. As a slow-release fertilizer, it doesn't trigger a sudden growth that stresses the plant, and it won't cause root burn.

Can you overfeed hydrangea?

You'll need to feed them probably once or twice a year but no more as overfeeding can be damaging. You'll probably need to repot your hydrangea every year or two as they can outgrow a container quite fast.

Are coffee grounds good for hydrangeas?

Coffee grounds add extra acidity to the soil around hydrangeas. On a chemical level, this increased acidity makes it easier for the plant to absorb naturally occurring aluminum in the dirt. The effect is pretty blue clusters of flowers.

How do you make hydrangea stems stronger?

Cut hydrangea that bloom on new wood back to 12 to 24 inches tall rather than to the ground. This allows the branches a chance to thicken. New growth leafs out from this point and has a stronger base to support it.

How do I know if my hydrangea is overwatered?

How do you fix sagging flowers?

Take your wilted flower and snip the stem at an angle about 1 inch from the already cut end of the flower. 2. Add three teaspoons of sugar to the lukewarm water in your vase, and place the wilted flower in and let it sit. The sugar will perk them right up!