Why does my hydrangea not bloom I live in eastern Pa. It was given to me as a gift about 3 years ago.?

Question

I get a lot of dead stalks in the winter. and it doesn't seem to want to do anything in the spring.

Answer 1

There are many different hydrangea commonly used in our landscapes today. Some examples are:

Smooth Hydrangea - Hydrangea arborescens
Bigleaf Hydrangea - Hydrangea macrophylla
Panicle Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata
Oakleaf Hydrangea - Hydrangea quercifolia

A common problem in colder areas (below zone 6) arises with the use of Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla). Nikko Blue is just one example of a Hydrangea macrophylla type. These plants bloom on second year wood and their stems are not very cold hardy. When bought from the local nursery and planted, they are often in bloom. But after just one winter the stems die back to the ground. Come spring new stems will be produced, but they will not bear flowers because this plant only flowers an second year growth. This is the problem with Hydrangea macrophylla in NE Illinois (zone 5). I suspect that this may be your problem. If it is not your problem, then give your local University Extension Service a call, I'm certain they will be able to help you. Good luck & happy gardening.

Answer 2

From my experience with Hydrangea bushes. In order for them to do well, you need to lime the ground around them.the lime also changes the P.H. in the soil & will intensify or change the color of the blooms. I have done this with pathetic looking sticks of plants & brought them back to full blooming bushes . A good trim in the early spring will help also.I am in N.J. so it should be near the same for P.A.
Good Luck.
Ed.S.

Answer 3

One, cut the dead back, I do this around Feb.
The other may be your soil.
The link is University of Georgia.
http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/horticulture/hydrangea.html