Hydrangea Bloom Failure: Three Primary Causes

Diagnosing Non-Flowering Hydrangea in Central Pennsylvania

A 7+ year old hydrangea grows 3x5 feet with lush foliage but no flowers for years.

Three Bloom-Stopping Factors

1. Wrong pruning time – Pruning after early September removes next year's buds (set on old wood)
2. High nitrogen fertilizer – Promotes leaves over flowers; switch to low-nitrogen
3. Winter bud kill – Protect with burlap enclosures against desiccation

Addressing these restores flowering in most cases.