Hydrangea Flowering Season: A Complete Guide

If you're a fan of beautiful blooms and stunning landscapes, then you must have come across hydrangeas. These large, showy flowers are loved for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. However, if you're planning on growing or gifting hydrangeas, it's important to know about their flowering season. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about hydrangea flowering season, including when they bloom, how to care for them, and much more.

When Do Hydrangeas Bloom?

Most hydrangeas bloom in summer, from June to August. However, the exact month may vary depending on the species and cultivar. For instance, some hydrangeas like the oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) bloom earlier, while others like the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) bloom later in the season.

Bigleaf Hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is one of the most popular hydrangeas, thanks to its large, mophead blooms. This hydrangea typically blooms in mid-summer, around July or August. However, if the plant is exposed to too much sun or heat, the blooms may dry up quickly.

Panicle Hydrangea

The panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is another popular variety known for its conical-shaped flowers. This hydrangea typically blooms in late summer, from August to September. The blooms may out white or green and turn pink as the plant ages.

How to Care for Hydrangeas During Flowering Season

Proper care is essential for hydrangeas to bloom beautifully during their flowering season. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Watering

Hydrangeas require regular watering during the flowering season. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing can also help hydrangeas bloom better. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio (such as 10-10-10). Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the buds appear.

Pruning

Pruning can affect the timing and quality of hydrangea blooms. For bigleaf hydrangeas, prune after they finish blooming. For panicle hydrangeas, prune in late winter or early spring.

Hydrangea Colors

One of the most fascinating things about hydrangeas is their ability to change color depending on the soil pH. Here's how it works:

Blue Hydrangeas

Blue hydrangeas have a lower pH (around 5.5) which makes aluminum more soluble. Aluminum causes the flowers to turn blue. To make your hydrangeas blue, add aluminum sulfate to the soil.

Pink Hydrangeas

Pink hydrangeas have a higher pH (around 6.0-6.2) which makes aluminum less soluble. Instead, phosphorus binds with aluminum, which turns the flowers pink. To make your hydrangeas pink, add garden lime to raise the pH.

White Hydrangeas

White hydrangeas don't change color because they don't contain any pigments. However, they can still be affected by soil pH, which may alter the plant's growth and health.

Common Hydrangea Pests and Diseases

Like any other plant, hydrangeas are prone to pests and diseases. Here are some common problems to watch out for:

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause deformation and discoloration of hydrangea leaves. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white or grayish spots on the leaves and flowers. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure that the plant gets enough sunlight and air circulation.

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves as soon as possible.

How to Propagate Hydrangeas

If you want to grow more hydrangeas, you can propagate them through various methods such as stem cuttings, layering, or division. Here's how:

Stem Cuttings

Take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy, mature hydrangea stem in late spring or early summer. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist until roots develop.

Layering

Bend a low-hanging branch of a hydrangea towards the ground and bury a section of it under the soil. Keep the buried section moist and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots have formed, cut the new plant from the parent and replant it in a new location.

Division

Dig up a mature hydrangea plant in early spring or late fall and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Replant each section in a new location with well-draining soil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I water my hydrangeas during the flowering season?

It's best to water deeply once a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

2. What's the best fertilizer for hydrangeas?

Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio (such as 10-10-10). Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the buds appear.

3. Can I change the color of my hydrangea blooms?

Yes, you can change the color of your hydrangea blooms by adjusting the soil pH.

4. How do I prevent pests and diseases on my hydrangeas?

To prevent pests and diseases, make sure that the plant gets enough sunlight and air circulation. Remove infected leaves as soon as possible and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

5. How do I propagate my hydrangeas?

You can propagate hydrangeas through stem cuttings, layering, or division.


Hydrangeas are beautiful, versatile plants that add color and charm to any garden or landscape. By understanding their flowering season, colors, care requirements, and propagation methods, you can enjoy these stunning blooms all summer long. Remember to water, fertilize, prune, and protect your hydrangeas to ensure healthy, vibrant blooms. With these tips and tricks, you're sure to have a successful hydrangea growing experience.