Hydrangeas, a UK garden favourite known for their massive blooms, are typically the go-to choice for a splash of colour.
When in good health, these plants boast not only impressive flowers but also lush, vibrant green leaves that can last well into the autumn months.
Yet, this year, one green-fingered enthusiast encountered a puzzling issue with their hydrangea.
Seeking advice on the Hydrangea in the UK Facebook group, Andrew Clarke posted: “Can anyone offer advice on what I did wrong and how to maybe correct it for next year?
“Healthy shrub, but all leaf and no blooms. Last year it managed one bloom.”
Fellow hydrangea lovers on the gardening page advised against pruning the plant.
Diana Mumford’s response was clear-cut: “Don’t prune it. Just leave it alone until spring, then feed.”
Lena Chapman pinpointed the problem, saying: “The type you have here needs to flower on last year’s growth. It looks like you pruned back hard last year and this is this year’s growth.”
She added: “So you need to do nothing until next spring. I have cut as late as May to avoid the last frost.
“And then you cut down one or two buds on the twigs. That is it, nothing more special than that.”
Mandy Louise chimed in with her take: “Pruning too hard and/or at the wrong time is the usual reason for no flowers.
“The best fix is to just let it grow and it should have flowers this year, or maybe next.”
Helen Shore also weighed in, asserting: “The main reason for the plant not blooming is incorrect pruning. I guarantee your hydrangeas are going to flower bigger and better flowers next year if you just leave them be.”
Pruning is often a key factor in hydrangeas not blooming. If you’re pruning from autumn to late spring, you could be chopping off the old wood growth that would have blossomed into flowers.
If you’re unsure or finding it difficult to prune your hydrangea, it’s best to leave it alone and avoid pruning altogether.
You can always let your hydrangea grow without pruning and see how it fares during the summer months.