How to Fertilize PeeGee Hydrangeas

PeeGee hydrangea blooms are white and often at least somewhat cone-shaped.

PeeGee hydrangeas, a group that includes many varieties known by their formal name of Hydrangea paniculata, are hardy plants which grow well in almost every gardening zone. They have large flower blooms, which for some cultivars grow in a cone-like shape different from more common ball-shaped or "mophead" hydrangeas. They also grow taller than other types of hydrangeas, often reaching as high as 8 or10 feet. Fertilizing PeeGee hydrangeas is done to increase blooming rather than to encourage plant height.

Things You'll Need

• Granular all-purpose fertilizer
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Wait until early spring or summer to fertilize your PeeGee hydrangeas. Fertilizing in late summer or fall encourages new growth which will be killed once the weather turns cold.

2. Spread a granular all-purpose fertilizer onto the soil surrounding the base of the hydrangeas as specified by the fertilizer instructions. In general, the granules should be applied in a ratio of 2 lbs. per 100 square feet. Spread the fertilizer out in a 1 foot radius from the base of the plant so that roots which grow outward will receive adequate fertilization.

3. Turn on a garden hose and thoroughly water the fertilizer granules into the soil. The granules will not disappear, but they will begin to dissolve slightly. Alternatively, you can wait to apply the granules just before rain is expected.

4. Reapply the fertilizer yearly for PeeGee shrubs, and every two to three years for tree-shaped PeeGees.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlike other hydrangeas, PeeGees need at least some sun to bloom well.

• Hydrangeas are sometimes known as hortensias.

References

• HydrangeasHydrangeas.com: Paniculata Hydrangeas
• BackYardGardener.com: Hydrangea paniculata
• University of Rhode Island: General Care--Hydrangeas