As an Endless Summer hydrangea, I am a unique cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla, prized for my ability to bloom on both old wood from the previous season and new wood grown in the current season. This dual-blooming nature is the key to my "endless" potential. To help me achieve this, you must understand my needs from my perspective.
Reblooming is an incredibly energy-intensive process for me. After my initial magnificent flush of flowers in early summer, I am exhausted. To muster the strength to produce a second set of flower buds on my new growth, I need a consistent and plentiful supply of nutrients. A lack of food is the primary reason I may fail to rebloom. Immediately after my first blooms begin to fade, you should provide me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs or acid-loving plants. This steady supply of energy fuels the rapid new growth upon which my next flowers will form. Please continue this feeding every 4-6 weeks according to the product's instructions, but cease feeding by late summer to allow me to prepare for my winter dormancy.
You must help me redirect my energy. When my beautiful mophead flowers begin to turn brown and fade, they are still consuming resources as I try to support them. By carefully deadheading—snipping off the spent flower head just above the next set of large, healthy leaves—you perform a vital function. This signals to me that my reproductive cycle for that flower is complete and allows me to immediately divert all my stored sugars and energy into producing new growth and, crucially, new flower buds instead of trying to sustain dying tissue. Be careful to use clean, sharp pruners and avoid cutting too far down the stem, as you might accidentally remove nascent buds.
My very name, "Hydrangea," comes from the Greek words for "water vessel." I am notoriously thirsty, and consistent moisture is non-negotiable for reblooming. Stress from drought will cause me to abort any developing flower buds in a desperate attempt to conserve resources for basic survival. My roots prefer cool, moist, well-draining soil. A layer of organic mulch around my base helps immeasurably by retaining that moisture and regulating soil temperature. Furthermore, while I enjoy bright light, the intense, scorching afternoon sun in hotter climates can overwhelm me, causing wilt and stress. I thrive best in a location with morning sun and dappled or partial afternoon shade, which provides the perfect light levels for robust growth without the damaging stress.
Even though I bloom on new wood, I still need a period of winter dormancy to reset my biological clock and consolidate my energy for the next growing season. Protecting my root zone with a thick layer of mulch in late fall is essential, especially in colder zones. This ensures I remain dormant and insulated from damaging freeze-thaw cycles. A well-rested plant is a vigorous plant, and coming out of a proper dormancy, I will be bursting with the energy needed to push out an abundance of new canes, each with the potential to carry a magnificent rebloom.
