To get hydrangeas to bloom twice, it is important to understand the pruning process and timing. By properly deadheading the flowers, you can encourage a second round of blooms later in the season. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve reblooming hydrangeas:
1. Timing is key: Start by identifying the right time to deadhead your hydrangeas. Ideally, you should wait until the first set of flowers have begun to fade, but before the plant starts producing buds for next year’s blooms. This is typically around mid-August, but it can vary depending on your location and the specific hydrangea variety you have.
2. Find the right spot: Look for a spot on the stem just below the flower head and above the first set of leaves. This is where you should make your cut. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to ensure a clean cut and minimize the risk of disease or damage to the plant.
3. Cut the stem: Make a precise cut at a 45-degree angle, ensuring that you remove the entire flower head. Cutting at an angle helps water runoff and prevents water from pooling on the cut surface, which can lead to rot or disease. Avoid cutting too close to the leaves, as this can inhibit new growth.
4. Consider the hydrangea variety: It’s important to note that not all hydrangea varieties will rebloom. Some are known as reblooming hydrangeas, which means they have the genetic ability to produce multiple rounds of flowers in a single season. Examples of reblooming hydrangeas include the ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Blushing Bride’ varieties. If you have a reblooming variety, following the deadheading process will increase your chances of seeing a second round of blooms.
5. Maintain proper care: After deadheading, continue to provide proper care for your hydrangeas. This includes regular watering, adequate sunlight, and appropriate fertilization. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-draining soil and benefit from a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering plants. Following these care guidelines will help support healthy growth and encourage the development of new buds for the second round of blooms.
Remember, it’s crucial to stop deadheading by mid-August or so to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. If you accidentally remove these buds, you’ll have to wait until the following year for new blooms. Additionally, some hydrangea varieties, such as the ‘Oakleaf’ hydrangea, bloom on old wood, meaning they produce flowers from buds formed in the previous year. For these varieties, pruning should be done immediately after flowering in order to avoid removing next year’s buds.
Getting hydrangeas to bloom twice involves careful deadheading of the faded flowers, timing the pruning correctly, and providing proper care. By following these steps, you can enjoy a second round of beautiful blooms in your garden.
