How to Get Climbing Hydrangeas to Bloom
Climbing hydrangeas are notoriously slow when it comes to producing the flowers every grower so wishes to see. Its first few years in the ground are spent establishing its root system and beginning to climb, but the climbing hydrangea can take anywhere from six to 10 years to produce flowers. The best way to get them to bloom is to be patient; provide the best conditions for the plant, as well as a sturdy climbing structure and you will not be disappointed. The climbing hydrangea thrives in zones 4 through 7. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant the hydrangea at the same depth it was in the nursery. Raise the planting depth several inches and slope the soil up to the top of the container soil if the site is not well draining.
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Add compost or aged manure to the planting site. If you neglect to do so at the planting stage, add a few shovels full every spring.
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Firm the soil around the root ball and water thoroughly as you fill in the hole to remove any air spaces around the roots.
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Lay 3 to 4 inches of mulch to retain soil moisture. Hydrangeas are heavy drinkers and will take all the water they can get.
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Provide more shade in hotter climates but not too much. Too little sun will inhibit flower production: plant on the north or east side of a building.
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Provide a structure for the hydrangea to climb: a tree, a wall, a trellis, etc.
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Maintain even moisture during the plant’s first season because the fibrous roots take time to recover and need all the help (and water) they can get.
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Tips & Warnings
A climbing hydrangea must reach its adult stage before it will flower. Since the vine blooms on old growth, it can take anywhere from six to 10 years before it blooms.
Don’t prune climbing hydrangea in its juvenile stage. In general, the plant requires almost no pruning.
If you decide to remove the vine, be advised that the aerial roots leave a residue that is extremely difficult to remove.
Avoid using maple trees as a climbing structure; the two will compete for moisture.
