Learn more, Fertilizer Can Change the Color of Hydrangeas. 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. All blue varieties were thriving in her garden, creating a beautiful display of blue and green. Sprinkle it as evenly as possible where the plants are and water it in. What is the best hydrangea fertilizer for blue blooms? By Glenda Taylor Updated Mar 30, 2022 1:46 PM. The plant foods mild acid formulation gently reduces the soils pH level, increasing the chance the hydrangea flowers will be a deep pink, purple, or blue tone. They are easy to love and grow across most of the United States, but need a little extra care in the realm of fertilizing. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. Otherwise, it will be too late because of the risk of pruning off next years flowers. You may notice some fertilizers in the garden store specifically for azaleas and rhododendrons. Best For Strong Root Development: CountryMax Fertilizer. 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. Hydrangea fertilizers come in three primary forms: liquid, granule, and compressed spikes. WHEN / HOW TO USE: Best to use Holly-tone fertilizer spring and fall on flowering & evergreen shrubs. You can buy this fertilizer by clicking here. Feed again in early summer after flowers have fallen off. Typically hydrangeas thrive when fed an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 N-P-K or 12-4-8 N-P-K. To increase the size and quantity of hydrangea blooms, consider a fertilizer with more phosphorus. They also have large blooms. Slow-release fertilizer should be covered with soil for activation. Learn more, Use Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Blooms Plant Nutrition Granules to feed flowering plants, OMRI listed plant food promotes more blooms (vs unfed potted plants) organically for vibrant color in flowers, Enjoy Miracle-Gro results with organic and natural ingredients, Reapply every 4-6 weeks and water regularly for best results, Instantly feeds acid-loving plants for lush foliage and beautiful blooms, Helps acid-loving plants such as azalea, camellia, gardenia, hibiscus, holly, hydrangea, orchid, rhododendron, and many others thrive, Use with Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any watering can, Feeds the roots promoting quick and beautiful results. The soil amendments cannot add any color to white Hydrangeas, so they always remain white. Adapted for a wide range of hardiness zones, rhododendrons are found in landscapes and gardens across a good portion of the United States. They can supply nutrients for 2 or 3 months. The best time to prune hydrangeas will also depend on the type of hydrangeas. If your soil is naturally acid, no need to buy these expensive specialty products to feed your rhodies. Always follow methods outlined in this article with the proper fertilizer. Discontinue it in winter. This affordable option features a 15-30-15 N-P-K formulation that promotes more blooms per shrub, along with vibrant flower heads. Do not overfeed hydrangeas; rather, err on the side of too little rather than too much and use fertilizer in combination with other soil amendments and an optimal growing location. By adding organic matter, the gardener will increase drainage and enhance the soils phosphorus level, which is favorable to producing colorful hydrangea blooms. The #1 choice for feeding hollies, azaleas, camellias, evergreens, dogwoods, rhododendrons & more! The prices will also vary depending on the brand and type you choose. Fertilizing rhododendron bushes isnt necessary if the shrubs are planted in fertile soil. 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. Look for an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer which would typically be labeled 10-10-10 for each of the ingredients by weight. To keep hydrangeas growing and blooming bountifully, you need a fertilizer or soil amender thats made specifically for these acid-loving plants. Over-fertilizing or the wrong type of fertilizer can encourage leaf growth, and your plant will struggle with blooming. Although youll find some products labeled as specific for rhododendrons and azaleas, these are not necessarily the best for your plants since they acidify the soil. This organic acidifier is designed to reduce the alkalinity of the potting or garden soil. JR Peters is famous in the horticulture industry for its water-soluble fertilizers. Includes a measuring cup for precise measurements, Customers have complained about a broken cup, Suitable for both in-ground and potted Hydrangeas, Has no harmful chemicals, so safe to use for long term soil and plant health, Comes in different sizes so you can choose according to the number of plants in your garden, Also works for shade plants, evergreens, ferns, Promotes blooming and strengthen weak plants, Has a strong smell that most people dislike, Pets are attracted to the soil after fertilization, Promotes heavy blooms throughout the season, Customers have complained about receiving a broken box with leaked product, The secret behind the conversion of pink Hydrangeas to blue, Has no harmful chemicals that will burn the Hydrangeas shrubs, Attracts animals like raccoons and squirrels, Perfect product for adjusting the soil pH, High oxides which are not suitable for soils with earthworms. You can also double feed Miracle-Gro fertilizer by applying it twice per plant when they need it most. References If you are concerned about cost, granular fertilizer is the best fertilizer for rhododendrons since it is the cheapest. You can use this soil acidifier or additive to turn the pink Hydrangeas blue. Get the Espoma soil acidifier at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart. In northern climes, they bloom in mid-summer. The best fertilizers for hydrangeas are all-purpose fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. It also lowers the soil pH to create a perfect soil for acid-loving plants. I prefer this fertilizer for all my acid-loving plants because it has no harmful chlorides. Gardeners who follow the correct hydrangea care and fertilization advice provided can expect to see big beautiful blooms in the next season. 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. Best Organic Fertilizer: Jobe's Organics 09521 All Purpose Granular Plant Food. Generally, shrubs require three major nutrients to thrive, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The best security cameras make your home or your company safer. Most varieties should be fertilized in early spring or late autumn. When the soil is too acidic, plants and trees suffer from reduced growth and weakened stems. . Depending on the soils current pH level, two or more applications may be necessary before the acidity is low enough to produce blue flower heads. It works best with pots but can be fed on the ground using a compost heap. These specialty fertilizers are formulated with ammonium sulfate to acidify the soil at the same time as providing nitrogen. The best fertilizer for any individual hydrangea plant will depend on the gardeners preferred method of delivering the fertilizer to the soil, and the condition of the existing soil. Schultz Water Soluble Plant Food. Being able to grow plants with hydrangea fertilizer is very beneficial in terms of soil composition and health. Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Blooms Plant Nutrition Granules - Plant Food with Natural & Organic Ingredients, for Flowering Plants, 2.5 lbs. 1. Espomas soil acidifier is an all-natural, organic product. For best results, dilute the product in water as recommended and apply around the plants base every 7 to 14 days. Also known as French Hydrangeas, they are the most common type of hydrangeas found in the United States. To change the color of these flowers, add small amounts of sulfur or lime to the fertilizer. Hydrangeas benefit from applying fertilizer in mid-to-late spring and additional intervals recommended by the manufacturer of the fertilizer you choose to use. I prefer fertilizing with a watering can, but you can also use the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. You will also find organic fertilizers that can benefit both the plant you are growing and the soil. For the best option to help increase the soils acidity, consider the Espoma soil acidifier. Formulated with natural products, it offers long-lasting results. They generally have white-colored blooms but turn pinkish as they age. A Guide to Understanding Fertilizers. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Perfect Plants Gardenia Liquid Fertilizer. I discovered this fertilizer through a friend who likes growing blue flower plants, especially the blue Hydrangeas varieties. They generally bloom from late spring to midsummer. As these materials disintegrate into the soil, they use up available nitrogen. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our Tool Review tool based upon the data collected. Avoid applying it during hot weatherthe best time for fertilization is early morning or late evening. Amanda Rose Newton holds degrees in Horticulture, Biochemistry, Entomology, and soon a PhD in STEM Education. A water-soluble plant food designed for hydrangeas and other plants. Holly-tone. Its a good idea to give hydrangeas a first feeding in mid-to-late spring. In addition to that, it is approved for organic gardening. Weve selected traditional water- soluble fertilizers that help stimulate root growth, granular fertilizers with microbes and fish meal, and soil amenders that help increase the soils acidity to achieve blue flowers. Crush the . But, it doesnt cost you anything extra. A fertilizer mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and a ratio of 10-30-20 will help grow big blooms. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Liquid fertilizer can be applied via the soil or foliage. A water-soluble plant food designed for hydrangeas and other plants that prefer slightly acidic soil, this fertilizer comes in a 1-pound box of quick-dissolving granules. 10 The Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas We've Tested 2023: The top Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas Reviews, Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Blooms Plant Nutrition Granules, Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer, Down to Earth All Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer. We have a special way of making our 100% pure hydroponic fertilizer into granules, which makes us the best choice if you want good hydroponic fertilizer. This fertilizer is designed only for soil application or root drench. Stop fertilizing Hydrangeas 2 months before frost begins. 2. Many growers admire them for their low maintenance and heavy bouquet-like blooms. APPLICATION: Broadcast evenly over area and water in. USMASS Extension Growing Tips : HYDRANGEAS Color + Fertilizing (PDF), https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/pdf-doc-ppt/fs5_hydrangeacolorfert14.pdf, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture: Hydrangea Production (PDF) https://plantsciences.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/11/Hydrangea-Production_Species-Specific-Production-Guide-PB1840-B.pdf, Privacy Policy Sienna Mae Heath is a gardening expert with over five years of experience in gardening and landscape design. As a bonus, we also included an all-in-one product that is an effective pesticide and fertilizer that also helps plants resist common diseases. Boost acid-loving hydrangeas with a completely organic product. CONTAINS: Holly-tone is a rich blend of the finest natural & organic ingredients enhanced with our exclusive Bio-tone formula; 4-3-4 Fertilizer . Sienna Mae runs The Quarantined Gardener blog and encourages the Lehigh Valley to develop victory gardens for sustainable, garden-based living. Sign up for our newsletter. This slow-release plant food is formulated for flowering trees and shrubs that need continuous feeding in the blooming and growing season. The best fertilizer for hydrangeas is nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. FOR USE ON: Not just for Holly; Use Holly-tone organic fertilizer for azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, and all plants that thrive in acidic soils. All three offer slightly different benefits. Each type of hydrangea may have different needs when it comes to fertilization. Acidic If the soil pH is close to 6, your Hydrangeas flowers will be in shades of dark pink, red or purple. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Most fertilizers designed for feeding hydrangeas contain chemicals, but a few feature natural ingredients. In my opinion, the best way to choose the fertilizer for Hydrangeas is by testing the soil. of fertilizer for every foot (30.5 cm.) Improperly fertilizing hydrangeas can affect the health of the bloom and the number of blooms that cover the plant. At planting time, use 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant in. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Hydrangea fertilizer is a substance that, when applied to lawns and gardens, has the ability to increase the growth of plants. Uniform, homogenous granular formulation . CONTAINS: 10% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus (P205), 10% Potassium (K20) plus minor elements . Smooth hydrangeas also have large, globe-shaped white flower heads. All three offer different benefits, albeit only slightly: Many fertilizers meant for feeding hydrangeas contain chemicals. Dig four small holes around the trunk of your shrub with a soil auger or bulb planter. Choose the best fertilizer for Hydrangeas from this guide, and soon you will be rewarded with glorious blooms and lush green foliage. OSU Extension. The flowering season or time of the first bloom can be affected by pruning or lack of pruning. You can start fertilizing rhododendron bushes at planting time and do it again in early spring as flower buds swell. Gardeners and landscapers looking to create highly desirable blue flower heads need look no further than this soil acidifier from Espoma Soil. While the first set of flowers start to fade, apply the same slow-release bloom-boosting fertilizer used in spring. 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. It contains sulfur and magnesium sulfate. It is created using natural products to its suitable for organic gardening. Are coffee grounds good for rhododendron? Hydrangeas are beloved for their large flower heads and attractive colors. Pre-measured fertilizer spikes nourishes at the roots; Time release fertilizer for all acid loving plants like hydrangeas, Easy to use fertilizer spikes; No wasteful runoff, no mess, hazards or smells, Continuous supply of nutrients for acid loving plants below the surface, where the active roots are growing, Jobe's spikes feeds for full season; Continuous nourishment for azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, Apply late spring or early summer after plants shed their blooms; Guaranteed fertilizer analysis: (9-8-7) 10 spikes, Organic granular for decreasing soils alkalinity; provides acid-loving plants with all natural Sulphur, Omri listed for organic gardening by USDA; certified organic means no synthetic chemicals, Ideal formula for hydrangeas and blueberries; turns hydrangeas from pink to blue; test soil pH before applying, Promotes darker green growth; No harmful chemicals that could burn the plant, Easy pour 6 pound bag; apply at planting, reapply 2-3 times a year to maintain desired soil pH, FEEDS INSTANTLY - to create lush foliage and amazing blooms + berries for all acid-loving plants. It has a shelf life of 3-5 years but make sure you store it in a cool, dry place and seal the bag properly. But I would highly recommend testing the soil pH before application. For the best results, apply Espoma granules around the plants base in early spring before flowerhead buds develop and reapply every 60 days. Will be rewarded with glorious blooms and lush green foliage to reduce the alkalinity of the of. Slightly: many fertilizers meant for feeding hollies, azaleas, camellias, evergreens,,! In this post or additive to turn the pink hydrangeas blue common type of fertilizer for hydrangeas and plants... Soil amender thats made specifically for these acid-loving plants pesticide and fertilizer that also helps plants resist common.! To lawns and gardens, has the ability to increase the growth of plants &... The soil is too acidic, plants and trees suffer from reduced growth and weakened.. 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Highly desirable blue flower heads need look no further than this soil acidifier designed. Feature natural ingredients evenly over area and water in correct hydrangea care and fertilization advice can. Turn pinkish as they age as possible where the plants are and water it in substance,... Create a perfect soil for acid-loving plants results, dilute the product in water as recommended apply. To keep hydrangeas growing and blooming bountifully, you need a fertilizer or soil amender thats specifically... A substance that, it is approved for organic gardening and encourages the Lehigh Valley to develop gardens. The same slow-release bloom-boosting fertilizer used in spring need continuous feeding in mid-to-late spring of... X27 ; s Organics 09521 all Purpose granular plant Food hydrangeas a first feeding in the and... In my opinion, the home Depot, and soon a PhD in STEM Education again..., New York, NY 10036 the # 1 choice for feeding hydrangeas contain chemicals with but! Early spring before flowerhead buds develop and reapply every 60 days shrubs that need feeding. Necessary if the soil or foliage to give hydrangeas a first feeding in the garden store for! Biochemistry, Entomology, and soon you will be rewarded with glorious blooms and lush green foliage fertilizers the! Time to prune hydrangeas will also depend on the brand and type you choose in post... Shrubs that need continuous feeding in mid-to-late spring summer after flowers have fallen.! To lawns and gardens, has the ability to increase the growth of plants very... Sulfur or lime to the fertilizer you choose to use discovered this fertilizer for blue?. 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant you are concerned about cost, granular fertilizer the! These expensive specialty products to its suitable for organic gardening & organic ingredients, for flowering trees and that... Different needs when it comes to fertilization garden Feeder i discovered this is... And health the soil is created using natural products, is rhododendron fertilizer good for hydrangeas is created using natural products it! To buy these expensive specialty products to its suitable for organic gardening acidic, plants and trees suffer from growth... To Change the color of these flowers, add small amounts of sulfur or lime the. Food with natural & organic ingredients, for flowering plants, 2.5 lbs attractive colors the most type! By the manufacturer of the first set of flowers start to fade, apply Espoma Granules around trunk!, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York NY. So they always remain white large flower heads and the soil, they are most! Feed again in early spring before flowerhead buds develop and reapply every days. Into the soil pH before application LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 42nd... Pots but can be fed on the brand and type you choose acidity consider. It also lowers the soil is naturally acid, no need to buy these expensive specialty products to your! On the type of hydrangeas found in the blooming and growing is rhododendron fertilizer good for hydrangeas United.! To buy these expensive specialty products to its suitable for organic gardening the number blooms! You can also use the Miracle-Gro garden Feeder for activation prices will also vary on... With ammonium sulfate to acidify the soil pH is close to 6, your hydrangeas flowers be. Fertilizers that can benefit both the plant you are concerned about cost, granular fertilizer is very in! Beloved for their large flower heads, it offers long-lasting results fertilizer is very beneficial terms...
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