There could be several reasons why your Twist and Shout hydrangea is not blooming. Let’s explore each possibility in detail:
1. Winter Cold: Hydrangeas are generally hardy plants, but extreme cold temperatures can damage flower buds. If your area experiences harsh winter conditions, it’s possible that the buds on your hydrangea have been killed by the cold. To protect your plant in winter, you can mulch around the base with a layer of organic material, such as straw or shredded bark. This will help insulate the roots and provide some protection against freezing temperatures.
2. Late-Spring Frosts: Even after surviving winter, hydrangeas can still be susceptible to late frosts in spring. These frosts can damage or kill the newly formed flower buds. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent late frosts, but you can cover your hydrangeas with burlap or a breathable fabric when frost is expected. This can provide some protection and help minimize damage to the buds.
3. Deer Damage: If you have deer in your area, they might be feasting on the flower buds of your hydrangea. Deer are known to find hydrangea buds quite tasty, and their browsing can result in a lack of blooms. To deter deer, you can try using repellents or installing a fence around your garden. Additionally, planting deer-resistant plants nearby can help divert their attention away from your hydrangeas.
4. Improper Pruning: Pruning hydrangeas at the wrong time can remove the flower buds and result in no blooms. Twist and Shout hydrangeas bloom on old wood, meaning they set their flower buds in the previous growing season. Pruning in late summer, fall, or early spring can remove these buds and prevent blooming. If you need to prune your hydrangea, do so immediately after it finishes flowering in late spring or early summer.
The lack of blooms on your Twist and Shout hydrangea can be attributed to winter cold, late-spring frosts, deer damage, or improper pruning. Taking steps to protect your plant from winter conditions, covering it during frosts, deterring deer, and pruning at the right time can help promote blooming. However, it’s important to note that sometimes hydrangeas may take a year or two to establish themselves before they start producing abundant blooms.
