The best fertilizer for Hydrangeas – A Comprehensive Guide

The Hydrangea shrub is extremely popular among gardening enthusiasts, because of its opulent and bright flowers, which look stunning in the garden. Irrespective of whether you have a hydrangea bush, a hydrangea tree, or a climbing vine, this plant adds a dash of vibrancy to your garden.

Hydrangeas are lovely plants, and they can do extremely well provided they get proper hydrangea care. Using appropriate fertilizer is one aspect of caring for the plant. Here are a few important steps that can help you decide the right fertilizer for hydrangea plants.

Additional information on hydrangea care includes instructions on how often you have to fertilize them and the best way to actually do it.

Hydrangeas thrive when provided with a balanced mix of the following:

• Nitrogen (N): Enhances the growth of stems and development of leaves
• Phosphorus (P): Vital for growing healthy roots and stunning flowers on plants
• Potassium (K) benefits the whole plant and specifically increases the amount of disease and water stress tolerance.

Any type of hydrangea, be it a bush, tree, or climbing, will appreciate a slow-release fertilizer containing equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K). Nevertheless, some types of hydrangeas need different amounts of nutrients for certain purposes, such as altering the direction of growth or altering the color of the bloom.

Best Types of Fertilizers for Hydrangeas

Here are the most commonly recommended fertilizers for hydrangeas:

1.

Balanced Slow-Release Fertilizer (10-10-10 or 14-14-14):

This fertilizer is the best for most types of hydrangeas. It gradually releases its nutrients inside the soil. This way you can ascertain that your hydrangeas receive the right nutrients for healthy roots, stems, and flowers. Since, slow-release fertilizers dissolve slowly in the soil, there is a chance of the nutrients getting washed before plant uptake.

2.

Acidic Fertilizer for Blue Hydrangeas (10-5-4 or 12-4-8):

If you have hydrangea flowers in blue tones, maintain an acidic soil to preserve that effect of the color. In case of these varieties, you should use a fertilizer for azaleas or rhododendrons and acid-loving plants such as those used in planting of azaleas or rhododendrons.

This fertilizer normally has a high nitrogen content and low phosphorus content as compared to most fertilizers. The soil’s pH level should be 5.5 to ensure that blue hydrangeas have the right color, and to this end you can use either an acidic fertilizer or aluminum sulfate.

3.

Phosphorus-rich Fertilizer for Pink and Red Hydrangeas (10-20-10):

For pink or red hydrangeas, the recommended fertilizer with higher phosphorous content, indicated by the second number in the NPK ratio. It encourages heavy root formation and branching to support healthy pink flowers.

If your hydrangeas are going blue, then you should check the soil pH level. To resolve this and get pink or red flowering, add garden lime to regulate the soil pH. For red or pink hydrangea flowers, the pH must be around 6.0-6.5.

4.

Organic Fertilizers (Compost, Manure, Fish Emulsion):

I For gardeners seeking to produce a more natural means of feeding the flowers, certified compost, manure, or even fish emulsion is the best. Along with fertilizing your hydrangeas and help in creating a better soil structure.

Organic fertilizers improve the microbial activity and water-holding capacity of the soil. They release nutrients slower than synthetic fertilizers, but they are a better and lasting solution to your plants’ needs.

How to apply fertilizer to Hydrangeas

Effective fertilization is essential. Over fertilization hinders the plant’s growth. It als encourages a ‘vamp’ growth of leaves instead of flowers, hence should be avoided. Here’s how to apply fertilizer effectively:

Timing:

Hydrangeas are best fertilized in spring, just after they start to grow. You can also give them a midsummer feeding if they require one, especially if you observe poor soil or weak-looking plants.

Do not use fertilizers late in the growth season, as the frost will damage the new growth.

Method:

For slow-release fertilizers, scatter the granules around the base of the hydrangea bush. Ensure that you do not place the granules on the primary stem. When using fertilizer, you should water thoroughly so that it can start to decompose.

When using liquid fertilizer, ensure that you mix them in the proportions recommended by the manufacturer. Then, pour the mixed liquid directly into the soil. Remember not to overdo it, as the application may injure the roots.

Frequency:

Slow-release fertilizers should be applied once every growing season, However, if you are using a liquid or a fast-acting fertilizer, it should be applied at an interval of 4 to 6 weeks during the growing period.

Conclusion

The selection of the right fertilizer for hydrangeas depends its variety of plant you have and the desired color of flower. If you follow the right hydrangea care guidelines, especially the nutrition aspect, your house or garden will have healthy hydrangea plants with vibrant blooms all through the season.

Irrespective of whether you have a hydrangea bush, hydrangea tree, or climbing variety, using the right fertilizer mix ensures its healthy growth and ample blooms.