Since the buds formed after the winter, hydrangeas such as Smooth and Panicle hydrangeas need to be pruned in late winter or early spring just before the new growth starts. "Take calcium, for instance, an essential plant nutrient. Use these tips to welcome even more lush blooms throughout summer and fall and keep foliage healthy. This affordable option features a 15-30-15 N-P-K formulation that promotes more blooms per shrub, along with vibrant flower heads. Hydrangeas treated with sulfur will stay or turn blue or purple. BEST ACIDIFIER: Jobe's Organics Soil Acidifier Fertilizer. Panicle hydrangeas require two fertilizer applications in April and June right before they bloom in July. It releases its nutrients slowly, over time. The only precaution is it should be applied in mild weather in the late evening or early morning. Last update on 2023-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API. It has a shelf life of 3-5 years but make sure you store it in a cool, dry place and seal the bag properly. A general rule of thumb is to use one level tablespoon (15 mL.) Watering: Water this plant when the top several inches of soil dry out. They can supply nutrients for 2 or 3 months. Any one of the following fertilizers is well suited for use on hydrangeas, but keep in mind that more is not necessarily better when it comes to fertilizing plants. Phosphorus helps with plant growth and bigger blooms. But I would highly recommend testing the soil pH before application. Epsom Salts is a very effective addition to your lawn fertilizer, . Boost acid-loving hydrangeas with a completely organic product. Likewise, plants grown with mulch that depletes nitrogen in the soil, such as fresh wood chips, will probably do better with a regular rhododendron fertilizer schedule. Read the package carefully because it is important to choose a fertilizer that suits the soil type. It has several essential nutrients, especially iron, and the NPK is 30-30-10. The more acidic the soils pH, the more likely it is that the hydrangea flowers will be blue. These are the only types of hydrangeas that naturally change color in the fall. Discontinue it in winter. Learning how to fertilize hydrangea shrubs is equally as important as the type of fertilizer chosen. Can I use rhododendron fertilizer on hydrangeas? I prefer fertilizing with a watering can, but you can also use the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. The best overall pick is an acid-based fertilizer from a well-known and respected manufacturer in the gardening industry. Best Convenient:Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer. As a general rule, hydrangeas grow best when fed with a slow-release fertilizer twice a year in spring and early fall. Fertilizers will help you create the perfect environment for growing Hydrangeas. While the first set of flowers start to fade, apply the same slow-release bloom-boosting fertilizer used in spring. It also improved drought tolerance, and nutrients were available for a longer period throughout the season. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! You can also use it for container plants or garden beds. First of all, you need to know what kind of fertilizer works best for your hydrangeas. Although youll find some products labeled as specific for rhododendrons and azaleas, these are not necessarily the best for your plants since they acidify the soil. Spring is the preferred time to fertilize garden rhododendrons. USMASS Extension Growing Tips : HYDRANGEAS Color + Fertilizing (PDF), https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/pdf-doc-ppt/fs5_hydrangeacolorfert14.pdf, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture: Hydrangea Production (PDF) https://plantsciences.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/11/Hydrangea-Production_Species-Specific-Production-Guide-PB1840-B.pdf, Privacy Policy Generally, they require a pH of between 6 and 7.5 and water that is not too wet or very dry (i.e., if it gets too wet or too dry). If your shrubs require feeding, you not only need to know when and how to fertilize rhododendron bushes, but youll want to use the best fertilizer for rhododendrons. Pruning some hydrangeas in the spring can delay their blooms. Lower Soil pH It's always a good idea to add coffee grounds to compost , but mixing it directly into the soil can help balance alkaline soil or give a boost of acidity for plants that prefer a lower pH, like hydrangeas or rhododendrons. This product can be used in conjunction with an all-purpose fertilizer to encourage robust plant health as well as blue flower heads. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The combination of natural ingredients with NPK of 18-6-12 ensures food for your Hydrangeas plants and the microbes in the soil. Hydrangeas are annual or perennial plants that have long, hardy stems and colorful foliage. Get more blooms with more vibrant color. Hydrangeas benefit from applying fertilizer in mid-to-late spring and additional intervals recommended by the manufacturer of the fertilizer you choose to use. Hydrangeas planted in warmer climates will bloom earlier and for longer than hydrangeas planted in colder, more northern climates. The hydrangea will tolerate partial sun, but it prefers a mostly shady spot in the yard. In addition to nutrients, it contains select strains of probiotics that improve soil health and increase plant performance. Depending on the variety, a balanced time-release fertilizer can be applied a few times a year, in spring and early fall. Welcome them to your garden as a glorious focal point or for showy cut flowers. Blooms Plant nutrition works well in both dry and wet conditions. Other types typically need to be applied every one or two weeks. Its easy to figure out when to feed a rhododendron. Instagram, natureofhome.com is reader-supported. Espomas soil acidifier is an all-natural, organic product. A fertilizer mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and a ratio of 10-30-20 will help grow big blooms. Wait for few hours before watering your Hydrangeas after applying liquid fertilizer to help the plant absorb nutrients. Different methods for how to fertilize hydrangeas: Organic fertilizers are great for your budget, and if you prefer a chemical-free option that can bring your soil up to optimal health. Pruning: Pruning the plant occasionally will . If you have planted your shrubs in fertile soil, fertilizing rhododendrons is not a necessity. It provides instant results but make sure you repeat the application every 7 or 14 days for the first month. Get the BIOADVANCED fertilizer on Amazon and at Walmart. Pinterest This fertilizer is designed only for soil application or root drench. While hydrangeas vary in form, color, and bloom time, they are known for the large flower heads that cover the plantsso large, in fact, the blooms often weigh down the stems. Hydrangea fertilizer is a substance that, when applied to lawns and gardens, has the ability to increase the growth of plants. To change the color of these flowers, add small amounts of sulfur or lime to the fertilizer. For those who strive for blue flower heads, its worthwhile to purchase a pH soil tester to monitor the soils pH level. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images. The best fertilizer for hydrangeas is nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. In autumn, applying organic compost or manure is sufficient. Choose the best fertilizer for Hydrangeas from this guide, and soon you will be rewarded with glorious blooms and lush green foliage. The prices will also vary depending on the brand and type you choose. 1. A complete fertilizer contains all three of these in different percentage amounts. After that, apply additional fertilizer at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. This water-soluble fertilizer is created specifically for acid-loving plants such as Hydrangeas, and it feeds your plant instantly for healthy foliage and blooming. Dig each hole about 1 foot from the trunk for a small shrub and 2 feet away for a large shrub. Planting: Whether in a container or planting in your yard, place this hydrangea somewhere it can receive partial to full sunlight (at least 3 to 5 hours of sun per day) in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Sprinkle it as evenly as possible where the plants are and water it in. Follow application instructions carefully. The 1.5 lbs package can feed 600 sq ft of the area, so its a long-lasting purchase. It features a 30-10-10 N-P-K ratio to help hydrangeas get off to a robust start in spring and grow vigorously throughout the summer. Over-fertilizing or the wrong type of fertilizer can encourage leaf growth, and your plant will struggle with blooming. Hydrangea fertilizers come in three main forms: liquid, granule, and compressed spikes. They generally have white-colored blooms but turn pinkish as they age. BEST OVERALL: Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food. Acidic If the soil pH is close to 6, your Hydrangeas flowers will be in shades of dark pink, red or purple. According to both Satch and Nikolic, oatmeal lacks the breadth of nutritional value that a standard fertilizer would include. Take care not to apply too much fertilizer as it could burn the leaves. Just using a complete fertilizer should do the trick. . Generally, lime and sulfur are used for this. This fertilizer isn't just restricted to Azaleas. Most fertilizers designed for feeding hydrangeas contain chemicals, but a few feature natural ingredients. Liquid fertilizer passes quickly through the soil and application must be repeated more frequently. Some varieties of hydrangeas grow on old wood, and others bloom on new wood. Liquid fertilizer can be applied via the soil or foliage. It provides various minerals, including copper, boron, and iron, to supplement common nutrient deficiencies. Click here to know more about the product. . The flowering season or time of the first bloom can be affected by pruning or lack of pruning. . 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