Endless Summer Hydrangeas: A Guide for Beginners
Endless Summer hydrangeas are a popular choice for gardeners of all levels, thanks to their beautiful flowers, long blooming period, and relatively easy care. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for Endless Summer hydrangeas, from choosing the right cultivar to pruning and winter protection.
About Endless Summer Hydrangeas
Endless Summer hydrangeas are a type of Hydrangea macrophylla, which is a deciduous shrub native to Japan and Korea. They were developed by plant breeder Dr. Michael Dirr and released in 2004. Unlike traditional hydrangeas, which bloom on either old wood or new wood, Endless Summer hydrangeas bloom on both last season’s wood and the current season’s wood. This means that they provide repeat blooming for an extended period, from early summer to fall.
Choosing the Right Cultivar
There are five cultivars of Endless Summer hydrangeas available, each with its own unique characteristics:
- The Original: Pink mophead-style flowers in alkaline soil, blue flowers in acidic soil
- Blushing Bride: White, semi-double blooms that fade to pink or soft blue, depending on soil pH
- Twist-n-Shout: Lacecap version with deep pink or periwinkle blue flowers, depending on soil pH
- Bloomstruck: Mophead-style flowers in deep rose in alkaline soil to violet blue flowers in acidic soil
- Summer Crush: More compact than the others, with raspberry red or neon purple mophead-style flowers
- Pop Star: The newest in the series and quickest to rebloom. Low growing, with pink or blue lacecap blooms depending on soil chemistry
Planting and Care
Endless Summer hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow, but they do have a few specific requirements:
- Soil: They prefer well-drained, organically rich soil. Adding organic matter to the soil will help to improve drainage and fertility, and will also increase the number of blooms.
- Sun: They need at least three hours of direct sun per day, but they will also tolerate partial shade. In warmer climates, they should be planted in a location that receives afternoon shade.
- Water: Water your Endless Summer hydrangeas regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize your Endless Summer hydrangeas in spring or early summer with a slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning
Endless Summer hydrangeas should be pruned after the first flush of flowers. Cut down the stems that just bloomed to 8 inches from the ground. Leave the growing new shoots to develop blooms later in the season or the next spring. Dead or damaged wood can be removed at any time.
Winter Protection
In colder climates, Endless Summer hydrangeas may need some winter protection. In containers, they can be overwintered in a garage or basement, watered about once a month during the winter. In the ground, they can be covered with a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as leaves or hardwood. In areas with severe winters, the canes can be wrapped in burlap or surrounded with chicken wire filled with leaves.
Troubleshooting
Endless Summer hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance plants, but they can sometimes be affected by pests or diseases. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. To control powdery mildew, use a fungicide or spray the leaves with a mixture of water and baking soda.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop. To control aphids, spray the leaves with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Bud blast: This condition can cause the flower buds to turn brown and fall off. Bud blast is often caused by stress, such as drought or extreme heat. To prevent bud blast, keep your Endless Summer hydrangeas well-watered and mulched.
With proper care, Endless Summer hydrangeas will provide you with years of beautiful blooms.