When it comes to hydrangeas, the number of times they bloom depends on the variety you have. Regular hydrangeas typically bloom once per season, usually in the spring or summer. These blooms can last for several weeks, adding a burst of color to your garden. However, after these blooms fade, regular hydrangeas do not produce any more flowers until the following year.
On the other hand, there are reblooming hydrangea varieties that have the ability to produce a second set of flowers later in the season. These reblooming hydrangeas can be a great option if you want to enjoy continuous blooms throughout the growing season. The rebloom usually occurs in late summer or early fall, providing a fresh wave of flowers when other plants may be starting to fade.
One important aspect of maintaining the blooming cycle of hydrangeas is deadheading. Deadheading refers to the practice of removing spent flowers from the plant. By doing this, you not only make the shrubs look neater, but you also help redirect the plant’s energy towards root and leaf growth instead of seed production.
When deadheading hydrangeas, it’s important to know the specific type of hydrangea you have, as different varieties may require slightly different deadheading techniques. For example, some hydrangeas produce flowers on old wood, meaning the blooms form on stems that grew in the previous season. In this case, it’s best to deadhead immediately after the flowers fade, cutting the stem back to a healthy set of leaves or buds.
Other hydrangeas, particularly some of the reblooming varieties, produce flowers on new wood. This means the blooms form on stems that grow in the current season. For these hydrangeas, you can deadhead by cutting back the stems to a healthy set of leaves or buds, just as you would with the hydrangeas that bloom on old wood.
In my own gardening experience, I have found that regular deadheading of hydrangeas not only keeps the plants looking tidy but also encourages a more prolific blooming cycle. By removing spent flowers, the plant is encouraged to put its energy into creating new buds and blooms, rather than producing seeds. This can result in a more abundant display of flowers throughout the season.
Regular hydrangeas typically bloom once per season, while reblooming varieties have the ability to produce a second set of flowers later in the season. Deadheading is an important practice for hydrangeas, as it helps maintain the plant’s blooming cycle and directs its energy towards root and leaf growth. By understanding the specific type of hydrangea you have and employing proper deadheading techniques, you can enjoy beautiful blooms and a healthier plant.
