Endless Summer Hydrangea Shrub: The Blooms That Keep On Giving

Endless Summer Hydrangea Shrub: The Blooms That Keep on Giving

If you're looking for a hydrangea that will bloom all summer long, then the Endless Summer hydrangea is the perfect choice for you. These shrubs are known for their long blooming period, which can last from early summer to fall. They're also relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for even the most novice gardeners.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Endless Summer hydrangea, including its history, features, and care requirements. We'll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your Endless Summer hydrangeas.

History of the Endless Summer Hydrangea

The Endless Summer hydrangea was first introduced in 2004 by Proven Winners, a leading producer of landscape plants. The shrub was developed by Dr. Michael Dirr, a professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia. Dirr was looking for a hydrangea that would bloom all summer long, and he eventually succeeded in creating the Endless Summer hydrangea.

The Endless Summer hydrangea is a reblooming hydrangea, which means that it can flower on both old and new wood. This gives the shrub a much longer blooming period than other hydrangeas, which typically only flower on old wood.

Features of the Endless Summer Hydrangea

The Endless Summer hydrangea is a large, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped. The flowers are large and showy, and they can be pink, blue, or white. The color of the flowers can be affected by the pH of the soil. In acidic soil, the flowers will be blue. In alkaline soil, the flowers will be pink.

Care Requirements for Endless Summer Hydrangeas

Endless Summer hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Endless Summer hydrangeas do not need to be pruned heavily. A light pruning in the spring will help to keep the shrub in shape and encourage new growth.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Endless Summer Hydrangeas

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your Endless Summer hydrangeas:

• Plant them in full sun to partial shade.
• Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize them in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune them lightly in the spring.
• Protect them from frost in the winter.

With proper care, your Endless Summer hydrangeas will bloom all summer long and provide you with years of enjoyment.

FAQ of endless summer hydrangea shrub

1. How much sun does an Endless Summer hydrangea need?

Endless Summer hydrangeas prefer partial sun, meaning they should receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and prevent blooms, while too little sun can result in weak growth and fewer flowers.

2. How often should I water an Endless Summer hydrangea?

Endless Summer hydrangeas need moist soil, but they should not be overwatered. Water deeply once or twice a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering, and avoid watering the leaves as this can promote fungal diseases.

3. How do I fertilize an Endless Summer hydrangea?

Endless Summer hydrangeas benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and again in late summer. A fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 ratio is ideal. Avoid fertilizing too close to the plant's roots, as this can burn them.

4. How do I prune an Endless Summer hydrangea?

Endless Summer hydrangeas can be pruned in early spring, just before new growth begins. Prune back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also thin out the plant by removing some of the older branches. Avoid pruning too much, as this can reduce the number of blooms.

5. How do I protect an Endless Summer hydrangea from the winter?

Endless Summer hydrangeas are hardy in USDA zones 4-9. In colder climates, you may need to protect the plant from winter damage. Mulch around the base of the plant with shredded leaves, wood chips, or straw. You can also wrap the plant's trunk with burlap or old sheets.

Image of endless summer hydrangea shrub

• A white endless summer hydrangea shrub in full bloom. The flowers are large and round, with a slightly cupped shape. They are arranged in clusters on the branches of the shrub. The leaves of the shrub are dark green and glossy.
• A pink endless summer hydrangea shrub in full bloom. The flowers are smaller than the white flowers, but they are just as beautiful. They are a delicate shade of pink, and they have a slightly ruffled edge. The leaves of the shrub are also a lighter green than the leaves of the white shrub.
• A blue endless summer hydrangea shrub in full bloom. The flowers are a deep blue color, and they are arranged in large clusters. The leaves of the shrub are a dark green color.
• A potted endless summer hydrangea shrub in bloom. The shrub is in a large pot, and it is surrounded by other plants. The flowers are a light pink color, and they are arranged in clusters on the branches of the shrub.
• A close-up of the flowers of an endless summer hydrangea shrub. The flowers are a deep blue color, and they have a slightly ruffled edge. The petals are thick and waxy.