Question 1

Why do I need to fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea?

Accepted Answer

It's important to fertilize Bigleaf hydrangea at least each year to encourage a fruitful blooming season. The nutrients from the fertilizer help to provide the energy that the plant needs in order to put on new growth and buds at the start of the growing season, and support the plant throughout the entire growing season until it goes back into dormancy. Fertilizing also gives Bigleaf hydrangea the strength and ability to fight off common pests and diseases.

Question 2

When is the best time to fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea?

Accepted Answer

If your Bigleaf hydrangea is a blue cultivar, you'll only need to fertilize once per year just before the growing season with a fertilizer that's curated for plants that thrive in acidic soil. Other Bigleaf hydrangea cultivars can be fertilized once per year during the growing season, but with an all-purpose fertilizer with balanced nutrient ratios. You can also use fertilizers formulated for blooming plants or shrubs, like roses and peonies. These fertilizers are pre-mixed with the best nutrients for Bigleaf hydrangea.

Question 3

When should I avoid fertilizing my Bigleaf hydrangea?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizing Bigleaf hydrangea anytime during its dormant season is not advised. The primary reason for this is that it's simply not useful to the plant during this time. When Bigleaf hydrangea is dormant, it is focused on conserving the energy it's provided by the sun each day, as well as maintaining an active root system. Fertilizing during dormancy could not only cause soil acidity issues, but it could also spike a growth spurt during colder months, which could cause long-term damage.

Question 4

What type of fertilizer does my Bigleaf hydrangea need?

Accepted Answer

To promote flowering, you need to adjust your fertilization strategy in late spring by using some fertilizers with higher phosphorus content. For blue Bigleaf hydrangea cultivars, use a fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 8-4-8 or something similar that has a lower phosphorus content. Other Bigleaf hydrangea cultivars can be fertilized with any type of all-purpose fertilizer with a balanced nutrient ratio, such as 10-10-10. To lower the pH and make the soil more acidic for blue coloration, add small amounts of either an aluminum sulphate fertilizer or wettable sulphur to the soil and mix in well. High pH soil will turn blue flowers pink or red. To raise the pH, apply a liberal amount of limestone to the soil and mix it in well. Too much of either type of compound can injure your Bigleaf hydrangea, so it's better to add too little than too much.

Question 5

What happens if I fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea too much?

Accepted Answer

Over-fertilizing is common with Bigleaf hydrangea, ecpecially for those inexperienced in growing them. Signs of too much fertilizer include yellowing of the leaves, poor growth habits, and thinning (leaf drop). If you used a granulated or powder fertilizer, you can remove the top layer of soil and replace it with fertilizer-free soil to help remove some of the fertilizer. For liquid-based fertilizers, water thoroughly every day until a normal color has returned to the leaves. They should be a rich, deep green.

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How do I fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea?

More Questions About Bigleaf hydrangea

Why do I need to fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea?

When is the best time to fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Bigleaf hydrangea?

What type of fertilizer does my Bigleaf hydrangea need?

What happens if I fertilize my Bigleaf hydrangea too much?