Question
hydrangea bloom
I have a hydrangea that I have had planted for 4 years. This is only the second year it has bloomed and it has done the same thing both years. The outer edge of the bloom develops and the inside of the bloom never does. Can you tell me why this is happening?
AnswerHi Gayle,
I couldn't answer for your question so I contacted a hydrangea expert, Pete Smith. This is his answer:
This is one of the lacecap varieties of H. macrophylla ?the same large leaves as the mophead varieties. Each lacecap is a little different regarding the number of sepals around the outside and the fullness of the inner section ?I don抰 remember what that is called. Admittedly I would say that picture implies a less than robust bloom. A few thoughts
a. In North central Alabama, we got a freeze in late Feb and the buds were already set for the H. macs. Here. It was a poor season for blooms on both the mopheads and lacecaps. Once the buds are set - you can tell by flicking the early brown buds with your fingernail and checking for green underneath ?then any freeze can potentially kill or hurt that blooms for that season. You will not kill the plant until you are into single digit temps or below.
b. You may be somewhat short on sun. They need a good 4-6 hours during the day to bloom well.
c. Try a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote ?following instructions, use half of the instructed amount on plants 2 years old or less.
d. That bloom may be coming out on this year抯 green wood rather than last year抯 brown wood. Current year blooms are always smaller and somewhat deformed. Next year will be better on that stalk ?assuming no freezes.
I hope this helps.
Tom
