What is the best hydrangea fertilizer for blue blooms? Look for an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer which would typically be labeled 10-10-10 for each of the ingredients by weight. I prefer fertilizing with a watering can, but you can also use the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. Pruning at this time will help the hydrangeas reach their full growth potential and the number of flowers that it produces. The NPK ratio is 4-3-4, which makes it suitable for all types of acid-loving trees, shrubs, beds, and potted plants. This product can be used in conjunction with an all-purpose fertilizer to encourage robust plant health as well as blue flower heads. VERSATILE FORMULA - formulated for Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Magnolias, Gardenias, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Blueberries, etc. If you are aiming to improve blooms, make sure you choose a fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus. If you live in a cold climate, dont add nitrogen after early summer since it can produce lush, new growth easily damaged in winter. More importantly, gardeners must understand how to fertilize hydrangeas properly to achieve big blooms every year. According to Espoma Organic, which makes Holly-tone, dig out the planting hole twice or three times as large as the plant's rootball . It is ideal for azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, maples, hollies, gardenias, hydrangeas, blueberries, evergreens, ferns and shade plants. Apply a slow-release chemical for shrubs and trees once a year. You can use it in the middle of the growing season for extra nutrition, but its important to feed your Hydrangeas during initial planting. . But you will have to be careful about where and when you use it because it has a long shelf life and needs to be stored properly. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food, JR Peters Jacks Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer, Might need extra applications on alkaline soil, Promotes strong plants while fighting pests, Prevents powdery mildew, block spot, and more, Includes ingredients that could harm bees, Must be diluted properly and applied regularly, Includes trace minerals with fertilizer formula, Works for starts, transplants, and established plants, Effectiveness may depend on existing soil conditions, Continuously feeds acid-loving plants for months, Effective for transplanting or a mid-season boost, Strong smell could attract dogs or insects, Feeds acid plants but doesnt lower soil acidity. According to both Satch and Nikolic, oatmeal lacks the breadth of nutritional value that a standard fertilizer would include. A general rule of thumb is to use one level tablespoon (15 mL.) You can buy this fertilizer by clicking here. Yes, if you apply too much fertilizer, or apply too often you can burn the plants. Im a huge fan of granular fertilizers because the chances of burning your precious plants are very low. The Oakleaf variety blooms from early summer in southern regions and midsummer to early fall in the Midwest and northern states. Do not apply it to the leaves or trunk. The climate affects the timing of when hydrangeas bloom. What is the best fertilizer for hydrangeas? Usually a 10-10-10 is best for a first dose, and 10-30-20 for a second dose. Description: Acid Lovers dry fertilizer is formulated for acid loving plants. Granular fertilizer is sprinkled around the hydrangeas and worked into the soil. Thats where hydrangea fertilizer can help. Still, a few of them have natural ingredients. Its essential to follow the directions on the product label. Apply to the soil around the drip line of the plant and then water thoroughly. For the best results, apply in mid-to-early spring and then every 60 days afterward. Rhododendrons and azaleas prefer slightly acid soils. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, so they naturally lose their foliage and go dormant in the wintertime. Just make sure to select the right formulation. The prices will also vary depending on the brand and type you choose. 3. This special fertilizer performs three functions; it feeds, acidifies, and ironizes your favorite Hydrangeas. Use a light hand, since applying too much rhododendron fertilizer can do more harm than good. In addition to the N-P-K nutrients, the fertilizer contains insect control to protect plants from Japanese beetles and other pests, and it also contains a disease protectant that discourages mildew and fungus. Can I use rhododendron fertilizer on hydrangeas? Pre-measured fertilizer spikes nourishes at the roots; Time release fertilizer for all acid loving plants like hydrangeas, Easy to use fertilizer spikes; No wasteful runoff, no mess, hazards or smells, Continuous supply of nutrients for acid loving plants below the surface, where the active roots are growing, Jobe's spikes feeds for full season; Continuous nourishment for azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, Apply late spring or early summer after plants shed their blooms; Guaranteed fertilizer analysis: (9-8-7) 10 spikes, Organic granular for decreasing soils alkalinity; provides acid-loving plants with all natural Sulphur, Omri listed for organic gardening by USDA; certified organic means no synthetic chemicals, Ideal formula for hydrangeas and blueberries; turns hydrangeas from pink to blue; test soil pH before applying, Promotes darker green growth; No harmful chemicals that could burn the plant, Easy pour 6 pound bag; apply at planting, reapply 2-3 times a year to maintain desired soil pH, FEEDS INSTANTLY - to create lush foliage and amazing blooms + berries for all acid-loving plants. I prefer using this for acid-loving plants because it provides natural sulfur. Read our, How to Change the Color of Bigleaf Hydrangeas, 8 Reasons Why Your Hydrangea Is Not Blooming, Guide to Soil Amendments: What They Are and How to Use Them, How to Grow Hydrangea Serrata (Mountain Hydrangea), How to Grow and Care for Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea, How to Grow and Care for BloomStruck Hydrangea, How to Fertilize Roses for Beautiful Bushes, How to Grow and Care for Shooting Star (Fireworks) Hydrangea, How to Improve Garden Soil With Amendments, How to Grow and Care for Pistachio Hydrangeas, How to Grow and Care for Limelight Hydrangea. 2. It has a shelf life of 3-5 years but make sure you store it in a cool, dry place and seal the bag properly. The choice of one type over the other is a matter of personal preference. Use 1 pound per 100 square feet. You can start fertilizing rhododendron bushes at planting time and do it again in early spring as flower buds swell. You can use it at the time of planting or when the Hydrangeas shows sign of new growth. 10 The Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas We've Tested 2023: The top Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas Reviews, Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Blooms Plant Nutrition Granules, Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer, Down to Earth All Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer. azaleas, rhododendrons, orchids, camellias, and gardenias, etc. The second fertilizer treatment should be just before they begin to flower. Hydrangea shrubs blooming on old wood have flower buds that form shortly after blooms fade in the summer. You can take the help of fertilizers if your soil is not rich in minerals and nutrients, but understanding what fertilizers work best for this plant is vital. Fall Applications can help promote root growth and boost resistance to extreme winter temperatures, Miracle gro water soluble fertilizer miracid acid loving plant food, Instantly feeds acid loving plants like azaleas, hydrangeas and rhododendrons, Double feeding action feeds through both the roots and the leaves. Liquid fertilizers for Hydrangeas should be either diluted in water or are ready to use. They are known for their cone-shaped flower heads. Fertilizing rhododendron bushes isnt necessary if the shrubs are planted in fertile soil. Stop fertilizing Hydrangeas 2 months before frost begins. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! of plant growth. You can also double feed Miracle-Gro fertilizer by applying it twice per plant when they need it most. Learn more, Fertilizer Can Change the Color of Hydrangeas. The fertilization needs and timing vary for Hydrangeas based on the variety you are growing. It is meant to feed your plants instantly, and the NPK ratio is 12-55-6. This fertilizer fulfills the long-term requirements of both the gardeners and the plants. This fertilizer is safe to use for pets and humans. Annabelle hydrangeas, also called snowball bush, are a popular type of smooth hydrangea. Use Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Blooms Plant Nutrition Granules to feed flowering plants everywhere or in containers. It will thrive if provided morning light and afternoon shade. This is it! There is a wide range of chemical fertilizers available in the market for Hydrangeas. The 1.5 lbs package can feed 600 sq ft of the area, so its a long-lasting purchase. Boost acid-loving hydrangeas with a completely organic product. Depending on the variety, a balanced time-release fertilizer can be applied a few times a year, in spring and early fall. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Grow larger plants with deeper green color. Generally, they require a pH of between 6 and 7.5 and water that is not too wet or very dry (i.e., if it gets too wet or too dry). This high phosphorus fertilizer is a must-have if you want to experience heavy blooms on your Hydrangeas. They are designed to serve a specific function, such as it increases blooms or leafy growth. Improperly fertilizing hydrangeas can affect the health of the bloom and the number of blooms that cover the plant. This is an all-purpose blossom booster thats suitable for use on a wide variety of perennial and annual blooming plants, including hydrangeas. The only precaution is it should be applied in mild weather in the late evening or early morning. Popular varieties include Limelight, Bobo, and Phantom hydrangeas. This is a great fertilizer for growing hydrangeas that are tolerant of drought and cracking. Apply another light dose of this fertilizer when the leaves emerge. While other colors of hydrangeas can be changed, white hydrangeas are not able to change color. First of all, you need to know what kind of fertilizer works best for your hydrangeas. It's made for lawns, gardens, and yards. Epsom Salts is a very effective addition to your lawn fertilizer, . One drawback is that organic fertilizers may not be as strong as chemical ones. But if you want to avoid using nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus, then you should use compost instead of fertilizers because it is rich in these nutrients. To keep hydrangeas growing and blooming bountifully, you need a fertilizer or soil amender thats made specifically for these acid-loving plants. CONTAINS: Holly-tone is a rich blend of the finest natural & organic ingredients enhanced with our exclusive Bio-tone formula; 4-3-4 Fertilizer analysis with 5% sulfur. It is made with ingredients that are very low in acidity, and it can be used in both indoor and outdoor gardens. If your soil is naturally acid, no need to buy these expensive specialty products to feed your rhodies. . What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? These fertilizers are further classified below: These are time-release granules designed for continuous feeding. Amanda Rose Newton holds degrees in Horticulture, Biochemistry, Entomology, and soon a PhD in STEM Education. Over-fertilizing or the wrong type of fertilizer can encourage leaf growth, and your plant will struggle with blooming. By adding organic matter, the gardener will increase drainage and enhance the soils phosphorus level, which is favorable to producing colorful hydrangea blooms. For optimum results, make sure you feed the plant every 1 or 2 weeks but never overdo it. Each type of hydrangea has a different bloom time. If lucky, you can find all these colors on a single Hydrangeas plant. This is also the reason that one will find most container grown hydrangeas in a soil-less mix with pink flowers unless they have been given fertilizers containing Aluminum sulfate. A good time to fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons is right after the plants have finished blooming. Youll want to use a particular fertilizer composition for the different stages of your rhododendron growth. In March, May, and July, lightly apply a fast-release fertilizer, spreading it around the drip line of the branchesnot the base. 2022'sBest Led Lightbulbsas Reviewed by Experts: Top-picks & Best Deal for You, 10 The Best Compost Tumblers Reviews & Buyers Guide for 2022, The Best Crabgrass Killers of September 2022: Best Reviews and Top-Rated for You, 10 The Best Vegetable Garden Fertilizers Reviews & Buyers Guide for 2022, The Best Pruning Shears of September 2022: Rankings. It has the perfect amounts of magnesium, calcium, and sulfur for healthy plant growth. A perennial favorite in the landscape, hydrangea is hardy in a wide range of growing zones and is a relatively easy keeper. Hydrangeas like a permanent spot in the landscape, so planting them in pots or grow bags might not allow the shrubs to reach their full potential. The pelletized form is safer to use than hydrated lime. Best Convenient:Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer. I prefer this because the pellets are easy to use, especially if you have to cover a large area. Get the BIOADVANCED fertilizer on Amazon and at Walmart. The 6.75 lb package can be used to treat 100 sq ft area. Best For Transplanting: Dr. Earth Fertilizer. They do not offer the same strength as chemical fertilizers, and the nutrients are mostly distributed slowly. The greater the pH variation, the more pronounced the hydrangea color change. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. Yes, you can use rhododendron fertilizer with hydrangeas. Liquid fertilizers give a fast-acting nutrient boost to a plants roots and leaves. Also known as French Hydrangeas, they are the most common type of hydrangeas found in the United States. Weve selected traditional water- soluble fertilizers that help stimulate root growth, granular fertilizers with microbes and fish meal, and soil amenders that help increase the soils acidity to achieve blue flowers. The spikes are pushed into the soil around the base of the plant. For more information and to buy this product, Acid Lovers Organic fertilizer by Dr. Earth. If exploring slow-release granular fertilizer, choose one that is labeled "bloom boost," which may also have a higher level of phosphorus. After that, apply additional fertilizer at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Soils, Fertilizers & Mulches. Apply every 1-2 weeks. Fertilize in March, May, and June. Spikes are similar to granular fertilizers in that they dissolve slower and provide nutrients to plants over a longer period of time. Disclosures Both are suitable for boosting the plants health and producing large, beautiful blooms. You can use it for blueberries, hydrangeas, strawberries, and essentially every evergreen plant. Planting: Whether in a container or planting in your yard, place this hydrangea somewhere it can receive partial to full sunlight (at least 3 to 5 hours of sun per day) in rich, moist, well-drained soil. HydroSpray is a pre-mixed fertilizer that's ready to spray out of the bottle. They can supply nutrients for 2 or 3 months. 7-3-3 Hydrangea Fertilizer, Blue (1.5 lb). 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