How to Fertilize Hydrangeas?
I’ve long-wondered how to fertilize hydrangeas, & this has something I’ve pondered for some time. Because they’re such a fickle flower, I’ve been afraid to fertilize them at all ~ even with my trusty Vitamin B solution (that I’ve given to hundreds of plants with great success). But I was afraid to mess with my hydrangeas, for fear of ruining them. Then, just the other day, I was listening to a gardening podcast by Joe Lamp’l, on his “Joe Gardener Show.” He was interviewing Lorraine Ballato, a renowned hydrangea expert, & he asked her this very question: “How do you fertilize hydrangeas?”
Her very short & to-the-point answer can be found below….
Best Fertilizer for Hydrangeas
This may be the shortest article I ever write….hallelujah!! I love when you get an answer to something that is so straight-forward & simple, there’s not much need for discussion. Hydrangea expert Lorraine Ballato tells us that, the best way to fertilize hydrangeas is either with: 1) Rose Fertilizer, such as Miracle Gro’s Rose Plant Food, or 2) Organic Holly-Tone, a 4-3-4 Plant Food that’s meant for acidic evergreens, azaleas, & rhododendrons ~ but its ratio also works for hydrangeas.
Why This Type of Fertilizer?
Traditional fertilizers tend to come in a 10-10-10 formulation. This means that it’s equal parts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, & Potassium (10%, 10%, & 10%). The reason this may not work well for hydrangeas is because, too much nitrogen will give you big green leaves ~ but very few blooms. Nitrogen, for instance, is one of the main ingredients in grass fertilizers, helping to keep it super-green. The rose fertilizer & Holly-Tone have different ratios, with more Phosphorus, & even Calcium & Magnesium added, which results in a better balance for these acid-loving plants, & importantly: more blooms on your hydrangea.
How to Fertilize Hydrangeas
I will be adding “Before & After” photos of my own hydrangeas as I experiment with this new information! Feel free to send me some of your own…or tell me about your experience fertilizing hydrangeas in the comments below…
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Good Companion Plants for Hydrangeas
Useful article, thank you. I have never fertilized my hydrangeas either, as I was afraid to mess them up! This is great info.
I know, Denise ~ hydrangeas can be so sensitive! Glad to be helpful : ) xoxo