We Asked a Rhode Island Gardener How They Get Their Hydrangeas to Come Back Bigger Every Year—Here’s What They Recommend

Key Points

Use nutrient-rich soil, organic mulch, and proper fertilization to support healthy growth and bigger blooms.

Prune based on bloom type and timing to avoid damaging stems and ensure strong flowers next year.

End-of-summer care like watering during dry spells and mulching protects plants and boosts future blooms.

Hydrangeas are among the most popular, vibrant flowers in a garden landscape. While you can find hydrangeas in many places across the country, no state showcases better blooms than Rhode Island. The climate in this area is ideal for striking, thriving blooms, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cultivate bigger, beautiful hydrangea blossoms right where you are. All you need to do is nurture them in season and do some important end-of-summer prepping.

We spoke with a pro-gardener in Rhode Island about how to cultivate bigger hydrangeas each year, as well as end-of-summer tips you should consider to keep your hydrangeas blooming each year.

Meet the Expert

Nicole Michalpoulos is the owner of The Greek Gardener, based in Rhode Island.

How to Cultivate Bigger Hydrangea Blooms Each Year

Hydrangeas are known for their rapid growth, approximately two feet per year. It’s important that your hydrangeas get plenty of sun to thrive, though the amount will depend on the climate where you live (typically, strive for full sun in moderate climates, while hotter areas only need morning sun).

However, what if your goal is to cultivate bigger blooms each year? Nicole Michalpoulos, owner of The Greek Gardener, offers the following tips to make it happen:

Use the right soil: Start with healthy, nutrient-rich soil and consistent moisture.

Opt for organic mulch: Use mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and protect the roots.

Fertilize correctly: Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer with a slow-release or organic fertilizer.

Know when to prune: Pruning at the right time is especially important because different hydrangeas bloom on different types of wood.

What to Do at the End of Each Summer to Help Future Blooms

While tending to your hydrangeas throughout spring and summer is crucial, what you do at the end of summer can make all the difference in how strong your blooms will become next year. According to Michalpoulos, pruning correctly is key.

“Avoid heavy pruning at the end of summer,” Michalpoulos says.

While pruning is necessary to remove dead flowerheads, stems, and wood, Michalpoulos notes that different hydrangeas need to be pruned differently, depending on whether the bloom is on new wood (current year’s stems) or old wood (previous year’s stems).

“Smooth/Annabelle hydrangeas bloom on new wood and can be cut back in late winter/early spring. Bigleaf/mophead hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so leave the stems intact through winter and only lightly deadhead,” Michalpoulos says.

Outside of pruning, there are a few other suggestions Michalpoulos gives once you reach the end of summer. Specifically, keep watering the hydrangeas during dry periods, and add a layer of mulch as you go into fall to protect the plants for next year.

Read the original article on The Spruce