Extending Hydrangea Blooming in July: Expert Tips
To keep hydrangeas blooming until autumn, July requires proper watering, deadheading, and appropriate fertilization.
To ensure hydrangeas bloom all summer and even into autumn, special care is needed in July. These colorful shrubs can flower in pink, white, or blue, and gardeners can change the hue using specific fertilizers, such as coffee grounds, which turn flowers bright blue and improve soil quality.
Watering
Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil, but overwatering should be avoided. Mulching with garden compost or manure helps retain moisture, especially in July and August when soil dries quickly. Plants in full sun or light shade tolerate direct sunlight but require monitoring. Watering is best done early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less intense.
Deadheading
Regularly removing faded flowers encourages new bud formation and extends the blooming period. It also maintains plant health by saving energy that would otherwise go to wilting blooms.
Fertilizing
While spring fertilization is crucial for initial blooming, July care focuses on plant health. Acidifying or alkaline fertilizers, such as coffee grounds or store-bought products, are suitable. Citric acid can also be used: dissolve 30 grams of granules in 10 liters of water and water the roots every 3 to 4 weeks.
