Never give your hydrangeas a common treatment after August

Over-fertilization could kill your hydrangea Hydrangea plants are a clear favorite because they come in an array of colors, and shapes, and look effortlessly elegant in all environments. The success of their growth hinges not so much on the pH level of soil but rather on how fertile, well-fed, and slow it is to dry out. As with most plants, fertiliser increases the size and quantity of hydrangea blooms, but it can also wreak havoc on the plants if applied at the wrong time. This is especially true for potted hydrangeas and blossoms that are growing in poorly drained soil. As a general rule of thumb, fertiliser should only be used around March, May, and July, around the drip line of the plant. Read more… Three reasons your hydrangea is wilting and how to solve them Fertilizer should only be used on hydrangea at certain times of the year ‘Don’t fertilise after August,’ the website Plant Addict warns. ‘Autumn is the time for hydrangeas to begin preparing for dormancy. Fertilising at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter.” Encouraging late-season growth will make the hydrangea plant more vulnerable to winter damage, which will eventually result in fewer flowers. This rule is pivotal for gardeners dealing with hydrangeas that set flowers on the previous year’s growth, commonly described as old wood. Trending ‘In the South, a late May application and another in July would be about right,” add the experts. “More Northern areas may wish to fertilise only once in June or July.” Regarding the correct amount of fertiliser to use, this will vary largely depending on the size of the plant and its root system you’re dealing with. Experts at Plant Addicts stress the overuse of fertiliser can be far more damaging to the plant and its root system than under-fertilization. The reason being the use of fertilizer can contribute to a burn of the plant and dry out the leaves, which could damage or cause the ‘death of the hydrangea’. ‘It is much, much better to err on the side of too little fertiliser [rather than too much],’ explains Plant Addicts. To avoid burning the plant, apply the fertiliser around the drop line of the plant; the ground directly under the tips of the tree branches.