Hydrangeas: The Ultimate Guide to Reblooming Beauties
Introduction
Hydrangeas are beloved for their stunning, oversized blooms that add a touch of magic to any garden. But what if you could enjoy these blooms not just once, but multiple times throughout the season? That’s where reblooming hydrangeas come in!
Do Hydrangeas Rebloom?
Standard hydrangea varieties, such as big leaf and smooth leaf types, typically bloom only once per year. However, there are certain varieties known as “remontant” or “reblooming” hydrangeas that have the ability to produce multiple blooms throughout the growing season.
Encouraging Reblooming
While reblooming hydrangeas have the potential to produce multiple blooms, there are certain things you can do to encourage this behavior:
- Choose the Right Varieties: Select reblooming hydrangea varieties like ‘Endless Summer,’ ‘Forever and Ever,’ or ‘Everlasting.’
- Prune Properly: Prune big leaf hydrangeas after flowering to remove spent blooms. Panicle hydrangeas can be pruned at any time of year.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Excessive fertilization can promote new growth that may not have time to bloom before winter.
- Protect from Heat: Hydrangeas prefer moderate temperatures. Protect them from extreme heat and drought, as this can inhibit blooming.
Benefits of Reblooming Hydrangeas
Adding reblooming hydrangeas to your garden offers several benefits:
- Extended Bloom Time: Enjoy beautiful blooms from early spring to late summer or even fall.
- Successive Flowering: Reblooming varieties produce new blooms on both old and new wood, ensuring a continuous display of color.
- Garden Variety: Reblooming hydrangeas come in a wide range of colors and sizes, allowing you to create a stunning and diverse garden.
Troubleshooting Reblooming Issues
If your reblooming hydrangeas are not producing multiple blooms, there are a few possible causes:
- Incorrect Variety: Ensure you have planted a reblooming variety.
- Improper Pruning: Avoid pruning reblooming hydrangeas too late in the season, as this can remove potential bloom buds.
- Lack of Sunlight: Hydrangeas need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom properly.
- Nutrient Deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen or phosphorus, can inhibit blooming.
Expert Tips for Reblooming Success
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to promote new growth and encourage reblooming.
- Mulching: Spread a layer of mulch around your hydrangeas to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water Properly: Water hydrangeas deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Winter Protection: In cold climates, protect reblooming hydrangeas from winter damage by mulching heavily or wrapping them with burlap.
Conclusion
Reblooming hydrangeas are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering extended bloom time and a continuous display of color. By following these tips and choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy the beauty of these stunning flowers throughout the growing season.
