BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
our local paper had this article about hygrangeas which I thought was interesting. it may be zone specific (Midwest), but the part of non-blooming is worth a read:
"Among smaller landscape plants, the big leaf hydrangea (hydrangea macrophylla) is a favorite because of flower color. But to grow it and produce the pink or blue flowers is another story. More often than not, the plants flower only infrequently.
For example, in 1996 several Forever Pink hydrangeas were purchased. This big leaf selection produces dazzling pink flowers with strong color appeal. During 10 years after planting (1997-2007) only one year had full bloom, in 2003.
Such a dismal record resulted in their removal. Life is too short!
Most big leaf hydrangeas bloom only on old wood from last year. During freezing winter temperatures, the flower buds are killed. Thus, no flowers for the coming year.
If a hydrangea has production of flower buds from new wood in the spring, there will be flowers. The freeze period is over and no danger of killed buds.
My only blue flowered big leaf hydrangea is All Summer Beauty. It was planted in 1999 and today has a spread/height of slightly over 3 feet. It produces flower buds on new wood, which is encouraging. It had flowers in 2005 to 2007 and 2011 to 2012. The flowers are large and of medium blue color. But even this hydrangea is not totally reliable. It is a very attractive plant and worth keeping.
As for lack of flowers, some of this can be attributed to neglect on my part. The plant is surrounded by a thick ground cover, which needs to be removed and replaced with mulch.
Old stems should be removed in early spring along with feeding plus TLC. IF the plant can be made happy, I think more flowers will come.
But since it has flowers on new wood, I would recommend it. The large blue flowers are worth waiting for, even with a few years without flowers.
The Endless Summer hydrangea was introduced 12 years ago. It has pink or blue flowers on both old and new wood. It has the ability to flower even if old buds are killed. A plant with both old and new wood flower buds is a major improvement.
Blue flowers appear if the soil is acid, pink in alkaline soil. I regret not growing this hydrangea years ago. The best way to evaluate the results in your own landscape. Compare quality and quantity of flowers on new and old wood. The early flowers come from old wood, summer flowers from new wood. I would be surprised if more flowers came from old wood.
Big leaf growing tips
• Light: A mix of morning sun and afternoon light shade is an effective blend. This light combination works well with many annuals, perennials and spring bulbs.
• Lack of bloom: Not enough sun and freezing of flower buds on old wood from last year. Also, pruning back new buds of this year causes no blooms.
• Fertilizer: Do not feed after Aug. 1. Generally, it is better to underfeed than overfeed. Feed in early spring before flower buds grow. Osmocote (14-14-14) is often used as slow-release fertilizer. Scatter around base of plant. Feeding an acid soluble fertilizer in early spring may help blue flowering varieties.
• Mulch: Apply a two-inch organic mulch around plant. This helps retain moisture and control weeds.
• Soil: prepare deep well-drained loose soil for growth of delicate new roots. Work in generous quantity of compost or aged leaf compost. Such an organic mix helps develop vigorous roots. Fall is an ideal time to prepare the planting site."
"Among smaller landscape plants, the big leaf hydrangea (hydrangea macrophylla) is a favorite because of flower color. But to grow it and produce the pink or blue flowers is another story. More often than not, the plants flower only infrequently.
For example, in 1996 several Forever Pink hydrangeas were purchased. This big leaf selection produces dazzling pink flowers with strong color appeal. During 10 years after planting (1997-2007) only one year had full bloom, in 2003.
Such a dismal record resulted in their removal. Life is too short!
Most big leaf hydrangeas bloom only on old wood from last year. During freezing winter temperatures, the flower buds are killed. Thus, no flowers for the coming year.
If a hydrangea has production of flower buds from new wood in the spring, there will be flowers. The freeze period is over and no danger of killed buds.
My only blue flowered big leaf hydrangea is All Summer Beauty. It was planted in 1999 and today has a spread/height of slightly over 3 feet. It produces flower buds on new wood, which is encouraging. It had flowers in 2005 to 2007 and 2011 to 2012. The flowers are large and of medium blue color. But even this hydrangea is not totally reliable. It is a very attractive plant and worth keeping.
As for lack of flowers, some of this can be attributed to neglect on my part. The plant is surrounded by a thick ground cover, which needs to be removed and replaced with mulch.
Old stems should be removed in early spring along with feeding plus TLC. IF the plant can be made happy, I think more flowers will come.
But since it has flowers on new wood, I would recommend it. The large blue flowers are worth waiting for, even with a few years without flowers.
The Endless Summer hydrangea was introduced 12 years ago. It has pink or blue flowers on both old and new wood. It has the ability to flower even if old buds are killed. A plant with both old and new wood flower buds is a major improvement.
Blue flowers appear if the soil is acid, pink in alkaline soil. I regret not growing this hydrangea years ago. The best way to evaluate the results in your own landscape. Compare quality and quantity of flowers on new and old wood. The early flowers come from old wood, summer flowers from new wood. I would be surprised if more flowers came from old wood.
Big leaf growing tips
• Light: A mix of morning sun and afternoon light shade is an effective blend. This light combination works well with many annuals, perennials and spring bulbs.
• Lack of bloom: Not enough sun and freezing of flower buds on old wood from last year. Also, pruning back new buds of this year causes no blooms.
• Fertilizer: Do not feed after Aug. 1. Generally, it is better to underfeed than overfeed. Feed in early spring before flower buds grow. Osmocote (14-14-14) is often used as slow-release fertilizer. Scatter around base of plant. Feeding an acid soluble fertilizer in early spring may help blue flowering varieties.
• Mulch: Apply a two-inch organic mulch around plant. This helps retain moisture and control weeds.
• Soil: prepare deep well-drained loose soil for growth of delicate new roots. Work in generous quantity of compost or aged leaf compost. Such an organic mix helps develop vigorous roots. Fall is an ideal time to prepare the planting site."
and although the pic makes the blooms appear light blue, they are really more lavender and pink. I'm sure that's from using the baking soda bloom booster I made to give it along with my tomatoes and peppers 
