Endless Summer hydrangea is a popular collection of Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars that are known for their long blooming period throughout the summer season. These cultivars have been specifically bred to produce an abundance of beautiful flowers, ensuring that your garden stays vibrant and colorful for months on end.
Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a species of hydrangea that is native to Japan and Korea. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet and has large, glossy green leaves. The flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla are typically large and showy, and their color can vary depending on the cultivar and the soil pH.
The Endless Summer collection includes several different cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics and flower colors. Some of the most popular cultivars in this collection include ‘Bloomstruck’, ‘Blushing Bride’, ‘Twist-n-Shout’, and ‘The Original’. These cultivars have been carefully selected for their ability to bloom continuously throughout the summer, providing a stunning display of flowers for your garden.
One of the key features of the Endless Summer hydrangeas is their ability to produce flowers on both old and new wood. This means that even if the plant experiences a harsh winter or is pruned back in the spring, it will still be able to produce flowers during the summer. This is in contrast to some other hydrangea species, which only produce flowers on old wood and may not bloom if pruned at the wrong time.
In terms of flower color, the Endless Summer cultivars can range from shades of pink and purple to blue and even white. The color of the flowers is influenced by the soil pH, with acidic soils producing blue flowers and alkaline soils producing pink flowers. This makes Endless Summer hydrangeas a versatile choice for any garden, as you can manipulate the soil pH to achieve your desired flower color.
To ensure that your Endless Summer hydrangeas thrive and produce abundant blooms, it is important to provide them with the right growing conditions. Hydrangeas, in general, prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is recommended to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and moisture-retention capabilities.
These hydrangeas also benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
In terms of pruning, it is generally best to avoid pruning Endless Summer hydrangeas heavily, as this can remove potential flower buds. If pruning is necessary, it is recommended to do so immediately after the plant has finished flowering. This will give the plant ample time to produce new growth and set flower buds for the following season.
Endless Summer hydrangeas are a collection of Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars that bloom continuously throughout the summer season. These hydrangeas offer a variety of flower colors and are known for their ability to produce flowers on both old and new wood. By providing them with the right growing conditions and minimal pruning, you can enjoy a stunning display of flowers in your garden all summer long.
