Being able to grow plants with hydrangea fertilizer is very beneficial in terms of soil composition and health. Use a light hand, since applying too much rhododendron fertilizer can do more harm than good. Endless Summer varieties, like other bigleaf hydrangeas, bloom in shades of blue or pink. Purple or blue blooms arise if the fertilizer is low in phosphate (though low phosphate levels may limit the plant's ability to absorb aluminum). Our top pick is the Miracle-Gro plant food, as it works effectively to improve bloom production for hydrangeas even if the soil conditions arent acidic. Plants generally require three nutrients to thrive: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Perfect Plants Gardenia Liquid Fertilizer. Learn more, Fertilizer Can Change the Color of Hydrangeas. For evergreen shrubs, such as holly, junipers and pines, put food on after the first blossoms appear. Use these tips to welcome even more lush blooms throughout summer and fall and keep foliage healthy. A Guide to Understanding Fertilizers. Yes, you can use rhododendron fertilizer with hydrangeas. The best time to prune hydrangeas will also depend on the type of hydrangeas. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Quick-release fertilizers require 2 or 3 applications throughout the growing season. In different areas of the country, the same type of hydrangea will bloom at different times. Fast Dissolving: JR Peters Fertilizer. For those who strive for blue flower heads, its worthwhile to purchase a pH soil tester to monitor the soils pH level. Hydrangea shrubs blooming on old wood have flower buds that form shortly after blooms fade in the summer. Slow-release fertilizer should be covered with soil for activation. Hydrangeas are flowering bushes that feature colorful flower heads in the summertime. Fertilizers that need to be diluted before application require more time compared to granular varieties that should be spread directly onto the soil. Liquid fertilizer can be applied via the soil or foliage. The combination of natural ingredients with NPK of 18-6-12 ensures food for your Hydrangeas plants and the microbes in the soil. In March, May, and July, lightly apply a fast-release fertilizer, spreading it around the drip line of the branchesnot the base. The classic green-leaf fertilizer is the only one you need. The best fertilizers for hydrangeas are all-purpose fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. The #1 choice for feeding hollies, azaleas, camellias, evergreens, dogwoods, rhododendrons & more! A lot of people think that hydrangea is just a plant for spring and summer, but it really can survive cold winters. As these materials disintegrate into the soil, they use up available nitrogen. Hydrangeas need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to develop well. Depending on the variety, a balanced time-release fertilizer can be applied a few times a year, in spring and early fall. I prefer fertilizing with a watering can, but you can also use the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. The 1.5 lbs package can feed 600 sq ft of the area, so its a long-lasting purchase. But if you want to avoid using nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus, then you should use compost instead of fertilizers because it is rich in these nutrients. Because of this slow release of chemicals, the fertilizer doesnt need to be applied often and lasts longer. A good time to fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons is right after the plants have finished blooming. A plant fertilizer that can be used every 1-2 weeks to feed your plants. They slowly release nutrients where plants need them most, promoting healthy growth and beautiful blooms. But if you want to avoid using nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus, then you should use compost instead of fertilizers because it is rich in these nutrients. Adding small amounts of sulfur or lime with the fertilizer can change the color of the hydrangeas. Color depends on the soil pH. Epsom Salts is a very effective addition to your lawn fertilizer, . Crush the . Click here for more information or to buy this product. The best time to fertilize any Hydrangeas is when it has started leafing but has not bloomed yet. It is created using natural products to its suitable for organic gardening. It provides instant results but make sure you repeat the application every 7 or 14 days for the first month. It is meant to feed your plants instantly, and the NPK ratio is 12-55-6. Hydrangeas are annual or perennial plants that have long, hardy stems and colorful foliage. . The most interesting fact about Hydrangeas is that you can alter the color of the blooms. Amanda Rose Newton holds degrees in Horticulture, Biochemistry, Entomology, and soon a PhD in STEM Education. This water-soluble fertilizer is created specifically for acid-loving plants such as Hydrangeas, and it feeds your plant instantly for healthy foliage and blooming. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. Yes Epsom salt can be good for hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, so they naturally lose their foliage and go dormant in the wintertime. Liquid fertilizer passes quickly through the soil and application must be repeated more frequently. What is the best fertilizer for hydrangeas? They generally have white-colored blooms but turn pinkish as they age. Look for an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer which would typically be labeled 10-10-10 for each of the ingredients by weight. Be sure to follow these guidelines for how to fertilize hydrangeas a few times a year. I have used it for several Hydrangeas varieties in my garden, and they all have produced big blooms and abundant buds. Follow application instructions carefully. Smooth hydrangeas also have large, globe-shaped white flower heads. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. If you live in a cold climate, dont add nitrogen after early summer since it can produce lush, new growth easily damaged in winter. Popular varieties include Limelight, Bobo, and Phantom hydrangeas. There are several types of hydrangea that provide different advantages and disadvantages. It provides quick results because it feeds the plant roots. Some of its ingredients are designed to reduce the soils pH level, too, making the product suitable for use on all acid-loving plants. Make sure you never apply it directly to the foliage since that can burn the leaves or flowers. The soil amendments cannot add any color to white Hydrangeas, so they always remain white. For potted plants, mix it in the soil while planting. The granules should be mixed with the soil and watered well. While other colors of hydrangeas can be changed, white hydrangeas are not able to change color. Hydrangeas begin preparing for dormancy in the fall season. Yes, if you apply too much fertilizer, or apply too often you can burn the plants. Holly-tone is environmentally Safe - No sludges or toxic ingredients. Usually a 10-10-10 is best for a first dose, and 10-30-20 for a second dose. Too much nitrogen could encourage more leaf growth, longer stems, and less flower growth. Stock Images by Depositphotos, Facebook: nature of home You can use it in the middle of the growing season for extra nutrition, but its important to feed your Hydrangeas during initial planting. 6. The best fertilizer for hydrangeas is nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. For rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and other spring flowering shrubs put food on in early spring (February-March). Improperly fertilizing hydrangeas can affect the health of the bloom and the number of blooms that cover the plant. Her work has been featured in The Weeder's Digest, Gardening Know How, GrowIt, and more. azaleas, rhododendrons, orchids, camellias, and gardenias, etc. Keep in mind the nutrients are released slowly, so they cannot boost the plant instantly. She is a board-certified entomologist and volunteers for USAIDs Farmer to Farmer program. It releases its nutrients slowly, over time. Similarly, if they blom later in the year (late summer into fall), you can give them a dose of fertilizer just as they start to flower. They are easy to apply; you simply bury the hardened spikes in the soil near the base of the plant. Annabelle hydrangeas, also called snowball bush, are a popular type of smooth hydrangea. Rhododendron fertilizer will have the proportions of these listed on its label in this order: N-P-K. Just make sure to select the right formulation. Best For Beautiful Blooms: ENVY Fertilizer. You can purchase granular fertilizer that is labeled slow-release. BEST ACIDIFIER: Jobe's Organics Soil Acidifier Fertilizer. The best fertilizer for hydrangeas will vary depending on the gardeners goals for this spectacular shrub. The risk is that the entire plant will wither and die during the winter. Then, in late winter, just before hydrangeas come back from dormancy, feed them another dose of an all-purpose fertilizer. WHEN / HOW TO USE: Best to use Holly-tone fertilizer spring and fall on flowering & evergreen shrubs. The first time should be in early spring with an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer, and the second time should be just before the shrubs start to bloom with a phosphorous heavy fertilizer mix. Take care not to apply too much fertilizer as it could burn the leaves. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Different methods for how to fertilize hydrangeas: Organic fertilizers are great for your budget, and if you prefer a chemical-free option that can bring your soil up to optimal health. This water-soluble plant food has several micronutrients and the three macronutrients in the ratio 7-3-3. As the name suggests, these are granular fertilizers. It will thrive if provided morning light and afternoon shade. For best results, dilute the product in water as recommended and apply around the plants base every 7 to 14 days. You should fertilize them only once in late winter. Fertilizers will help you create the perfect environment for growing Hydrangeas. Get more blooms with more vibrant color. 2022'sBest Led Lightbulbsas Reviewed by Experts: Top-picks & Best Deal for You, 10 The Best Compost Tumblers Reviews & Buyers Guide for 2022, The Best Crabgrass Killers of September 2022: Best Reviews and Top-Rated for You, 10 The Best Vegetable Garden Fertilizers Reviews & Buyers Guide for 2022, The Best Pruning Shears of September 2022: Rankings. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Give your plants a strong head start with this fertilizer. Miracle-Gro is the top choice of many gardening enthusiasts because they have a huge collection of fertilizers dedicated to different plant varieties. The ones treated with lime will turn pink and white hydrangeas will never change color. What is the best hydrangea fertilizer for blue blooms? A complete fertilizer contains all three of these in different percentage amounts. Each type of hydrangea may have different needs when it comes to fertilization. The choice of one type over the other is a matter of personal preference. But, it doesnt cost you anything extra. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity, How to Care For Begonia Rex 10 Best Care Tips, Epipremnum Pinnatum Care Best Secrets Revealed, How to Care for Philodendron Birkin 9 Secrets. The best security cameras make your home or your company safer. Most growers start fertilizing Hydrangeas in March. After spreading the fertilizer, water the shrub adequately to speed up nutrient absorption or apply it right before its supposed to rain. It is a complete solution for young flowering plants that need more water. Apply only what you need and no more, since excess fertilizer burns a plants roots. We have a full article on how to make your soil more acidic if needed. To qualify as a top pick, a fertilizer should provide the nutrients hydrangeas need for developing strong branches, healthy foliage, and beautiful blooms. Apply a slow-release chemical for shrubs and trees once a year. If your garden soil isnt particularly rich or fertile, rhododendron fertilizer will help keep the plants healthy. This depends on when your hydrangeas bloom. Use when planting, too. Most varieties should be fertilized in early spring or late autumn. This high phosphorus fertilizer is a must-have if you want to experience heavy blooms on your Hydrangeas. You just sprinkle the amount specified on the label on the top of the soil around each plant and water it in. Last update on 2023-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API. 2021 Toolreview.org. Schultz Water Soluble Plant Food. In northern climes, they bloom in mid-summer. Use a light hand, since applying too much rhododendron fertilizer can do more harm than good. of plant growth. This fertilizer fulfills the long-term requirements of both the gardeners and the plants. Both are suitable for boosting the plants health and producing large, beautiful blooms. Its a good idea to give hydrangeas a first feeding in mid-to-late spring. She grows her own food and flowers in her native Zone 6B. For the best option to help increase the soils acidity, consider the Espoma soil acidifier. Focus on the following key points when choosing a fertilizer for your Hydrangeas. A north or east side of a house, and/or under a tree with filtered shade is good. They epitomize the dainty and feminine, but they are also one of the most difficult plants to care for. It can be applied using a watering can or jug, but you can also opt for a garden feeder. This soil amendment raises the soil pH, and it comes in fine-grade pellets. The color of Hydrangeas depends highly on the soil pH, so you can adjust the soil pH according to your needs. Hydrangea fertilizers come in three primary forms: liquid, granule, and compressed spikes. For the best results, apply Espoma granules around the plants base in early spring before flowerhead buds develop and reapply every 60 days. The test results will include recommendations for creating healthy, balanced soil. A Natural fertilizer blended especially for acid lovers such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, evergreens, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, potatoes and other plants that need a low pH. By Glenda Taylor Updated Mar 30, 2022 1:46 PM. Time-release granular fertilizer provides long-lasting nutrients to Hydrangeas. The solid granules take longer to absorb into the ground. Liquid fertilizers for Hydrangeas should be either diluted in water or are ready to use. 3. A single spring application will provide hydrangeas with a steady 9-14-9 N-P-K diet for up to 6 weeks. If exploring slow-release granular fertilizer, choose one that is labeled "bloom boost," which may also have a higher level of phosphorus. Those who dream of growing hydrangea bushes covered in flower heads should check out this option from JR Peters. Take the guesswork out of your planting decisions with our composted, natural fertilizer. OSU Extension. However, those rhododendrons growing in poor soil need feeding. Fertilizer spikes are inserted near the base of the plant and pushed beneath the soils surface. If the leaves of your Hydrangeas show signs of scorching, you might have applied too much fertilizer. You will have deep green leaves and lovely blooms. So the buds and the stems of the plants have to survive the winter to get blooms for the following spring or summer season. Liquid or water-soluble fertilizer is mixed with water and then poured into the soil. It comes in a 4 lb package and contains the famous pro-biotic, essential microbes, and mycorrhizae. Holly-tone. Like all plants, hydrangeas draw nutrients from water, sunlight, air, and soil, but not all soil contains the nutrients necessary for robust growth and flower development. Its easy to use; you have to simply spread it around the base of the plant. The drip line is the outermost circumference of the shrubs canopy, where the water drips onto the ground. Anyone can fall for the beautiful, oversized blooms on Hydrangeas. Unlike surface-applied fertilizers that can wash away with rain or watering, Jobe's spikes work underground at the roots. HydroSpray is a pre-mixed fertilizer that's ready to spray out of the bottle. If lucky, you can find all these colors on a single Hydrangeas plant. The fertilization needs and timing vary for Hydrangeas based on the variety you are growing. It is best to plant Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, and Hydrangeas in a shady location. For more information and to buy this product, Acid Lovers Organic fertilizer by Dr. Earth. Gardeners and landscapers looking to create highly desirable blue flower heads need look no further than this soil acidifier from Espoma Soil. This slow-release plant food is formulated for flowering trees and shrubs that need continuous feeding in the blooming and growing season. You can use it for any blue-flowered variety, including All Summer Beauty, Nikko Blue, Merritts Supreme, Blue Bird, Fasan, Taube, and Mariessi. Blooms start appearing in July and last until the fall. Unless you know that your soil is deficient in one nutrient but not the other two, choose a complete fertilizer containing all three ingredients, like one with 10-8-6 on the label. Hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Likewise, plants grown with mulch that depletes nitrogen in the soil, such as fresh wood chips, will probably do better with a regular rhododendron fertilizer schedule. Each type of hydrangea has a different bloom time. Chemical fertilizers have timed-release ingredients designed to dissolve more slowly to feed the hydrangeas over a more extended period, like a few weeks or months. Smooth hydrangeas start blooming in late June and continue to bloom intermittently throughout the summer, so the second fertilizer application should be no later than mid-June. During the cold winter months, Miracle-Gro Hydrangea Fertilizer aids in the blooming of hydrangeas and azaleas by providing them with additional nutrients and essential phytonutrients. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our Tool Review tool based upon the data collected. Best Overall Hydrangeas Fertilizer Water-Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food by Miracle-Gro, Best Blue Hydrangeas Fertilizer Jacks Classic Hydrangea Blue Fertilizer. It provides various minerals, including copper, boron, and iron, to supplement common nutrient deficiencies. They generally bloom from late spring to midsummer. Disclosures Boost acid-loving hydrangeas with a completely organic product. They are usually in concentrated form and must be diluted before being used to fertilize plants. The hydrangea will tolerate partial sun, but it prefers a mostly shady spot in the yard. This product, Acid Lovers organic fertilizer by Dr. Earth to make your soil acidic! To white hydrangeas will also depend on the type of hydrangea may have different needs when it comes fertilization., camellias, rhododendrons & amp ; more nitrogen could encourage more leaf growth, longer stems and... 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Annual or perennial plants that need more water hydrangea may have different needs when has! Copper, boron, and iron, to supplement common nutrient deficiencies heads need look no further this... The application every 7 or 14 days for the best time to any... Find all these colors on a single spring application will provide hydrangeas with a watering can, you... Is environmentally Safe - no sludges or toxic ingredients early spring ( February-March ) as it burn!, granule, and it comes in a 4 lb package and contains the famous pro-biotic essential... 1:46 PM hydrangea blue fertilizer is just a plant for spring and fall and keep foliage healthy lawn! Including copper, boron, and product Highlights from Amazon product Advertising API iron, to support facts! Hydrangea will bloom at different times blue blooms the ratio 7-3-3 bloom the! Slowly release nutrients where plants need them most, promoting healthy growth and beautiful blooms best to use best! Often you can burn the plants pushed beneath the soils acidity, consider Espoma. Gardening enthusiasts because they have a huge collection of fertilizers dedicated to plant. Inserted near the base of the plant and water it in the blooming and growing..