For me, hydrangeas are among the most beautiful long-term bloomers in my garden. Their large flowers shine in wonderful pink, blue, snow white or lavender and automatically attract attention. But so that you can really marvel at their blooms, I have to fertilize the hydrangeas - properly. I start this in spring so that the plants grow quickly and have enough energy to form leaves and flower buds. In today's article I will list several reasons why I think it is worth fertilizing before the start of the gardening season and list several fertilizer variants that I think are well suited for this purpose.
Why I always fertilize my hydrangeas in spring and should you do it too?
For now - the genus includes different types of hydrangeas and each of them of course has its own requirements when it comes to soil conditions. But from my experience they have something in common - namely that they have a higher nutrient requirement at the start of the active growth phase. To cover this, I have to fertilize the hydrangeas in March. In winter, snow and rain washed the nutrients out of the soil and I always try to boost the growth of my plants - ideally shortly before they start producing leaves. Basically, fertilization in spring is recommended for every hydrangea and every garden. However, I would still recommend that you test the soil in the laboratory first.
Over-fertilizing hydrangeas or fertilizing them incorrectly: That's why soil analysis in the laboratory is worthwhile for me
In order to make the best decision regarding fertilizer, I decided to test my soil in the laboratory. Ultimately, too much of a good thing is more dangerous for plants than too little. I had already made the mistake of caring for a ball hydrangea and over-fertilizing it with nitrogen. The roots were so badly damaged that neither additional watering nor replanting helped. Therefore, I definitely recommend the laboratory test.
When is the best time if I want to fertilize my hydrangeas?
I wrote down the following fertilization periods in my garden calendar:
- The garden hydrangea (still asFarmer's hydrangeaknown) I fertilize for the first time in March, then a second time in May and a third time at the end of June.
- If you have oak leaf hydrangeas or panicle hydrangeas in your garden, two applications of fertilizer - the first at the end of March or beginning of April and the second in June - are recommended.
- The forest hydrangea is traditionally fertilized in early to mid-March.
I always choose a frost-free day for fertilization. It usually rains a lot in March - which is very beneficial for fertilization. Nevertheless, I always water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing it. Watering allows the fertilizer to not just stay in the top layer, but to penetrate deep into the soil and allow the plants to absorb the nutrients through their roots.
What are the best fertilizers for hydrangeas (from my experience)
Basically, you can find suitable long-term fertilizers as well as quick last-minute solutions for every type of hydrangea in the garden center. I use either one for fertilization in Marchorganic fertilizer(By the way, I've also had good experience with some home remedies) or a liquid fertilizer that works quickly.
- I never work long-term fertilizer such as rhododendron fertilizer directly into the root area, but rather scatter it under the outer branches. I then cover it with soil so it can release the nutrients.
- Cattle manure and horn shavings, which I have had good experience with in nutrient-poor soil with a high sand content, are particularly effective.
- Coffee grounds are a good solution for anyone who has nutrient-rich soil with a neutral or high pH. The home remedy can lower it somewhat - as we know, hydrangeas need acidic soil.
- I have also had positive experiences with aquarium water (but you can only use fresh water). The water is rich in nitrogen and it promotes leaf formation. I water my hydrangeas with aquarium water once a month, starting in March. However, water alone is not enough to supply the hydrangeas with other nutrients. That's why I fertilize my plants in the spring.
- I would advise against iron fertilizer, at least in March. If I want to change the color of the flowers, I add some iron fertilizer just before flowering.
- A few years ago I tried to use ash to intensify the color of my pink-flowering hydrangeas. The wood ash is said to contain potassium, magnesium and calcium carbonate, which make the pink color of the flowers shine. I didn't succeed and the hydrangeas then suffered from a lack of nutrients all spring long.
- No matter what fertilizer I use, I always work some compost into the root area.
The hydrangeas arebeautiful plants, which bloom beautifully if cared for well. I fertilize my plants every March to prepare them for the upcoming gardening season and to provide important nutrients.
