When Do Hydrangeas Bloom? How Long Do They Last?

Hydrangeas are famous for their magical flower that boasts one colored flower the first year and another colored bloom the following year from the same plant.

However, many factors need to be maintained to make the Hydrangeas bloom that very season. So read till the end!

What Do Hydrangeas Look Like When Blooming?

Hydrangeas are perennial in the USDA zone 3-9, providing beautiful blooms throughout spring. 

But the bouquet on the stems can make it a bit challenging to study an individual blossom. 

The plant sheds buds one year and gives bloom and new wood the following year, with the flower developing mainly from the old wood.

Thus, look at the table below to better understand the flower structure.

When Do Hydrangeas Bloom?

Hydrangea can establish their roots as a hardy shrub, but they wait for 1-2 years to boast their first bloom.

The blooming periods of Hydrangea may vary, so learn about them in detail!

Blooming Season by Location

Some states Hydrangea loves are Chicago, New York, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and more.

But every state lies in a different geographical region affecting the blooming season of Hydrangea.

For the long bloomers like “Anabelle” and “Invincibelle Spirit,” the blooming season starts from early June until September.

If you look at the common bloomers like “Ayesha” and “Preziosa,” they bloom early, starting from May, and completely by July end.

Overall, it is difficult to predict the exact Hydrangea blooming time without looking at their preferred USDA zone.

Blooming Seasons by Type

Growing Hydrangea gets easy if you can predict the blooming season to proceed with timely pruning.

And the blooming season does not depend only on the location.

Variety also plays a vital role as there are more than 70 varieties of Hydrangea, each different from one other.

Here is the list of the most important and commonly grown Hydrangea with their blooming season.

• Bigleaf Hydrangea is the most common type of Hydrangea, giving heart-shaped bloom in old wood from summer to fall before it changes its color under USDA 6-9. 
• Mountain Hydrangea comes under the type of bigleaf Hydrangea but is less common and gives lace cap flattened blooms from late spring to late summer. It thrives at USDA 6-9.
• Smooth Hydrangea is a highly branched shrub producing cream-white blossoms on new wood from early summer to fall under USDA 3-7.
• Panicle Hydrangea represents a cold-hardy type, blooming from midsummer to fall, only in new wood under USDA 3-8. The conical bloom changes its color as soon as the fall arises.
• Climbing Hydrangea have aerial rootlets allowing them to be climbers producing cluster blooms from late spring to summer at USDA 4-9.
• Oak Leaf Hydrangea resemble the elongated structure like a grape’s fruit bunch and give flowers in old wood from late spring to early summer under USDA 5-9.

What are the Factors That Influence Hydrangeas’ Blooming Period?

Several factors affect the blooming time of Hydrangea, the location and variety being the top on the list.

I have dotted some factors to remember to ensure your Hydrangea blooms.

• Improper pruning can lead to falling off the buds, hampering the blooms for next year. So one needs to trim Hydrangea in  August or September before they set bud.
• Sun exposure is the primary determinant, as each variety demands a different exposure period and shade. Providing around 3-4 hours of direct light is necessary for the Southern zone, while at least 6 hours for Hydrangeas growing in the Northern area.

• The pH of the soil determines the blossom’s color, as a pH below 6.0 causes Hydrangea to have lavender-blue flowers. Similarly, a pH above 7.0 shows pink-red inflorescence, while a 6.0-7.0 pH promotes purple-bluish bloom.
• Too much nitrogen promotes green leafy growth, shifting the entire focus of the plant into vegetative growth rather than flowers. So use a balanced fertilizer and bone meal.
• Fluctuating temperatures can delay blooming, and cold weather can damage the buds. Keep the plant safe by covering the Hydrangea with leaves and straw.

How Long Does the Hydrangeas Bloom Last?

The blooming season remains the same for all types of Hydrangea, with the only difference in the flowering time, as the blooms of Hydrangeas may grow either in new or old wood, depending on the variety.

Meanwhile, cut Hydrangeas can be kept fresh for about three to four days indoors.

But Hydrangea can even play tricks on you by giving blooms one year and no flowers the following year.

So enjoy the moment and relish the blooms as much as possible since Hydrangea holds surprises for their gardener.

FAQs About Hydrangeas Bloom

What months do hydrangeas bloom?

Identifying the exact blooming time of Hydrangeas is difficult as it varies depending on the type and planting zone.

But overall, you can get the bloom from May until September.

How many times a year does a hydrangea bloom?

The blooms of Hydrangeas flowers only once a year from the specific new or old wood with no reblooming that year.

Why is my hydrangea not blooming?

The reasons behind Hydrangeas not blooming can be inadequate or too much light, variety not suitable for the climate zone, or fertilizer with high nitrogen.

Meanwhile, pruning off the new or old wood without looking at the variety type and cutting the buds that will provide the bloom the same or the following year can be the primary reason for no bloom in Hydrangeas.