Planting and Caring for 'Endless Summer' Hydrangea

Planting and Caring for 'Endless Summer' Hydrangea

A gardener pruned two of four blooms from a Mother's Day 'Endless Summer' hydrangea for a vase and asked about planting outdoors and future blooms.

Planting Outdoors

In zones 5 and warmer, plant outside after frost danger passes. Choose a site with morning sun, afternoon shade. Amend soil with peat moss and acid-loving plant fertilizer (e.g., Holly-tone). For blue flowers, add aluminum sulfate (wait 3 weeks for color change).

Bloom Expectations

'Endless Summer' blooms on both old and new wood, so pruning a few flowers won't prevent reblooming. It should flower continuously all summer. If it fails to bloom (as the expert experienced one year), check for late frosts, improper pruning, or nutrient issues.

Key Care

• Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy.
• Mulch 2–3 inches.
• Fertilize in spring and early summer.
• Protect from harsh afternoon sun.