🌸 How to Get Your Hydrangeas to Bloom to the Fullest
Expert Tips from All Creation Landscapes
Hydrangeas are a favorite among Midwest homeowners—and for good reason. Their large, vibrant blooms can bring color, texture, and elegance to any landscape. But getting them to bloom to their full potential isn’t always as simple as planting and watering. At All Creation Landscapes, we often get asked, “Why aren’t my hydrangeas blooming?” The good news is, with a few key adjustments, your hydrangeas can become the highlight of your yard.
Here’s our expert guide to help you get the most out of your hydrangeas.
🌞 1. Choose the Right Spot
Hydrangeas love a mix of sun and shade. Most varieties thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause wilting, while too much shade can limit blooming.
Tip: If your hydrangeas are struggling, consider relocating them during the fall or early spring when they’re dormant.
✂️ 2. Prune Properly—But Carefully
One of the most common mistakes we see is incorrect pruning. Hydrangeas bloom on different types of wood depending on the variety:
Bigleaf & Oakleaf Hydrangeas: Bloom on old wood. Prune right after they bloom—late summer or early fall.
Panicle & Smooth Hydrangeas: Bloom on new wood. Prune in late winter or early spring.
Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time can wipe out the season’s flower buds.
🌱 3. Feed Them Right
Hydrangeas need the right nutrients to produce those big blooms. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which promote leaves over flowers.
Best Practice:
Use a fertilizer labeled 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 and apply according to the package instructions.
đź’§ 4. Water Consistently
Hydrangeas are thirsty plants. They need consistent moisture, especially in hot weather. But don’t overwater—soggy roots can rot.
Ideal Watering Routine:
1–2 inches of water per week
Water deeply at the base of the plant, not overhead
🍂 5. Mulch for Moisture & Protection
Adding mulch around your hydrangeas helps them retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. It also protects the roots during Illinois' colder months.
Use 2–3 inches of:
Shredded bark
Compost
Pine straw
Just be sure to keep mulch away from the base of the stems to prevent rot.
🌡️ 6. Protect from Harsh Winters
In colder zones, like much of Illinois, winter damage can prevent next season’s blooms. Protect hydrangeas that bloom on old wood with burlap wraps or by mounding mulch around the base in late fall.
🎨 Bonus: Want to Change the Color?
Bigleaf hydrangeas can shift color depending on soil pH:
Acidic soil (pH < 6) = Blue flowers
Alkaline soil (pH > 7) = Pink flowers
You can adjust soil pH with garden lime (for pink) or aluminum sulfate (for blue). But always test your soil first!
🌿 Final Thoughts
Hydrangeas are a stunning addition to any landscape—but they do require a bit of TLC. At All Creation Landscapes, we know that with the right sunlight, soil, and care, your hydrangeas can truly thrive.
Looking to refresh your flower beds or want a complete landscape redesign? We’re here to help.
đź“ž Ready to Bloom Big This Year?
Let’s design the perfect garden layout or seasonal maintenance plan just for you.