Mother's Day Hydrangea Not Blooming? First, Identify the Type

Two Very Different Plants

• Florist hydrangea: Greenhouse-forced, often not hardy below Zone 9. Blooms once, may not rebloom outdoors.
• Hardy nursery shrub: H. macrophylla or other species sold at garden centers. Blooms on old wood; buds form previous year.

What to Do

• Check the tag or ask the seller which type you have.
• If florist type: enjoy indoors, then plant in protected spot (Zone 9+).
• If hardy type: plant in morning sun/afternoon shade; mulch; be patient—may bloom next year.

Fertilizer

Acid-lover fertilizer (Miracid) helps hardy types; florist types need little feeding.

Knowing the type determines everything.