Are you feeling like your garden could expend a bit of TLC in the form of a adept fertilizing ? hydrangea are among the most beautiful and eye - catching plants out there , but to get the best results for their dazzle bloom , it is crucial to roll in the hay how to nurture them correctly . Knowing when and how to fecundate your hydrangea plants helps keep them looking plush and level-headed all year around .

Whether you ’re a veteran nurseryman or an experient agriculturalist with many year under your belt , let on all the tips and prank you want to control your hydrangeas thrive this outflow time of year .

When to Fertilize

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The first whole tone is determining when it ’s prison term to fecundate your hydrangea . Generally , adding fertilizer once or twice a yr does the trick . jazz when to apply fertilizer is the key to getting the most out of your plant .

The best time to feed your hydrangeas isin the bounce afteryou prune them , from mid - April to May . Fertilizing in the spring boost nutrientsafter the winter chilland set up them for blooming that summer . If you notice yellow in the center of the buds once your hydrangeas are in bloom , it ’s a surefire sign that you need to fee them some fast - acting fertilizer .

Front yard xeriscape

If you desire an excess nutrient hike before wintertime get , late drop or early wintertime is also a secure meter for fertilizing . Doing so helps your hydrangeas develop a strong root arrangement to stand firm the moth-eaten winter weather .

How to Fertilize

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Fertilizing your hydrangeas is a critical part of keep them level-headed and vibrant . Here ’s how to ensure your hydrangea get the nutrient they need for optimum ontogeny .

Test Your Soil

Before you fecundate your hydrangea , try the soil . Doing so help oneself determine whether alimentary deficiencies are present , which could involve feeding your plants .

To check into the pH of your grunge , you ’ll need a testing kit from a garden center . hydrangea do best in acidic land . If the pH degree is lower than 4.5 , you should tally lime to raise the pH. If the pH is eminent than 7.0 , then impart aluminium sulfate or coffee grounds to reduce the pH.

Fun Fact : You caninfluence the colorofHydrangeaserrataand bigleaf   hydrangeas by playing with the pH level of your soil .

Spreading mulch in the garden

Choose the Right Type of Fertilizer

To opt the correct type of fertilizer for your hydrangeas , consider what sort of plant nutrient give them the best nutrient to produce strong and intelligent . The key is to pick one specifically design for acid - loving plant so that the soil remains acidic and your bloom bloom brightly .

you could find these fertilizers in most home and garden stores , but control they hold in nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium , as these are essential chemical element for lush blooms and firm stem . Give hydrangeas a slow - spill 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer when you notice new growth .

If you want to change the color of your peak from pink to blue , look out for a plant food with an N - phosphorus - K ratio of 12‐4‐8 . you may also bring some compost or mulch to your plants to provide them with vital nutrients and moisture retentivity in the soil throughout the summertime .

Snake plants in terracotta pots on the windowsill

When fertilizing your hydrangea , keep up the advocate amount of applications programme as listed in the directions .

Don’t Have a Heavy Hand

While plant food helps enhance the increase of healthy plant and blooms , too much of a sound thing is sorry intelligence for hydrangeas .

Give your plants just the right amount of fertilizer – not too little or too much . If you ’re unsure about how much fertilizer to use , err on the side of caution and begin with little amounts until you know more about the needs of your especial plants . you could go with about 2 cups of 10 - 10 - 10 fertiliser for every 100 square foot and adjust from there . The most important thing is monitor your hydrangea ' reaction to fertilizer .

Over - fertilize trail to succulent foliage with few heyday . To determine if you ’re using too much fertiliser , visit your hydrangeas for lack of blooms , discoloration , or yellowing of the leaf and adjust consequently .

hand holding a pink hydrangea

No matter what form of fertilizer you pick out , always say and follow instruction carefully to avoid over - fertilizing your hydrangea . If you ’re still struggle with the right balance , consider talking to an expert at your local garden center .

Tips for Enjoying Blooms Year Round

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When cold temperatures make it , get across your hydrangeashrubswith burlap for bestow protectionfrom icy winds and freezing temperature . Doing this helps keep wet level balance underneath the covering and ensures your plant remain sound throughout the wintertime .

When you ’re ready to pruneyour hydrangea , be aware of when to cut back each eccentric of hydrangea . Prune oakleaf and bigleaf hydrangeas after florescence , and prune tree and smooth hydrangeas in former spring before new buds soma . to boot , cut away drained or damage branches as part of unconstipated upkeep .

Annabelle Hydrangea white flowers in front garden. Hydrangea macrophylla blossom in sunny day, close up. Smooth Hydrangea Annabelle (Hydrangea arborescens) plant

If you put up copious sunlight , water consistently during dry spells , fertilize on a regular basis , cover your shrubs in cold weather , and prune right , you ’ll enjoy beautiful blooms amount summertime .

Get Your Hydrangeas Ready for a Fertilizer Fiesta!

Remember the timing of fertilise your hydrangeas , which is the key to keeping the blooms vibrant . Whether adding a layer of mulch or pruning right , follow these recommendations helps guarantee hydrangeas thrive throughout the twelvemonth .

So , get out there and enjoy having scrumptiously goodly and vibrant hydrangea all time of year long ! Happy horticulture !

Tiny Tuff Stuff Hydrangea

Flowers and green leaves of hortensia covered with hoarfrost. Frosty autumn october morning in garden. Frozen pink Hydrangea macrophylla. Wonderful image for card. Inspiration from nature. Very Peri