Loving your hydrangeas but facing some issues?
Summer care can be tricky.
There’s one common mistake many make.
Want to know what it is and how to avoid it?
Keep reading to keep your hydrangeas happy and blooming!
Overwatering
One common mistake people make with hydrangeas in the summer is overwatering. You might think giving your plants lots of water is good, but hydrangeas don’t like to sit in soggy soil.
Wet roots can cause root rot, which is a real bummer. Instead, water deeply but less frequently.
Check the soil before watering; if the top inch is dry, it’s time for a drink. Also, make sure your hydrangeas are planted in well-drained soil to keep their feet dry and happy.
Exposing to Intense Sun
Hydrangeas love sunlight, but too much direct, intense sun can stress them out. If your hydrangeas are wilting in the heat, it might be time to provide some shade.
Try positioning them where they can enjoy the morning sun but are protected from the harsh afternoon rays. This will prevent their delicate leaves from getting scorched and help them thrive through the summer months.
Ignoring Soil pH
Another mistake is ignoring the soil pH. Hydrangeas are unique because their flower color can change based on the soil’s pH levels.
Acidic soil produces blue blooms, while alkaline soil gives you pink ones. If you’re not getting the color you desire, test your soil and adjust the pH accordingly.
You can add garden lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Playing with soil pH can be a fun way to get the colors you want!
Not Pruning Properly
Pruning hydrangeas can be confusing and easy to mess up. Prune too much, and you might cut off next year’s blooms.
As a rule of thumb, prune hydrangeas right after they finish flowering. Focus on removing dead or old wood and shaping the plant.
Different types of hydrangeas have different pruning needs, so it’s helpful to know which kind you have before you start snipping away.
Fertilizing at the Wrong Time
Feeding your hydrangeas is important, but timing is everything. Fertilize them too late in the summer, and you risk promoting new growth that’s too tender to survive the winter.
Aim to fertilize in early spring when the growing season is starting. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give your hydrangeas the steady nutrition they need without overwhelming them.
Neglecting Mulching
Mulching is a step you don’t want to skip. It helps maintain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
In the summer heat, this is crucial. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like bark or straw around the base of your hydrangeas, but keep it away from the stems to avoid rot.
Mulching also suppresses weeds, so it’s a win-win for you and your plants!