There was a lot of hype about ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangeas when they were introduced 20 years ago.
Here was a hydrangea that bloomed all summer long on bothold and new growth.
That “old and new” factor made a big difference.
Credit: Steve Bender
So Northerners so jealous of these gorgeousblue blossomscould finally enjoy the beauty that we Southerners know every June.
Even better, they can tolerate heat and are resistant to disease.
Plant them in spring or fall, and enjoy these in your garden for years to come.
Theygrow quickly, maturing at about 4 feet tall and wide, and can live for about 20 years.
Here’s how to get endless summer blooms.
And so ‘Endless Summer’ (the best marketing name for a plant ever bestowed) came to be.
Bailey was just as shrewd about the pots for ‘Endless Summer.’
They wouldn’t be ugly black, like 99% of nursery pots are.
No, they would be bright blue, the same color as the flowers.
By and large, Northerners loved the hydrangea but they weren’t gettingrepeat blooms.
They were thrilled at just seeing blooms at all.
Down South, the reviews were less positive.
‘Endless Summer’bloomed beautifullyon both old and new wood until the end of June.
After two weeks of hot, dry weather, the hydrangea may hibernate.
Green leaves will remain, but blooming will stop.
How To Get ‘Endless Summer’ To Bloom
Credit the weather for blooming problems.
If it’s too hot, those blooms may not come this season.
So do you need global cooling to get repeat blooms on ‘Endless Summer’?
Tryplanting it in a container.
People customarily water and feed plants in containers much more often than those in the ground.
Fertilize once in the spring or early summer.
Overwatering and over-fertilizing can decrease bloom production.
Also, it may take time for new growth to appear if youpruned the hydrangeato its base.
In hot climates, a few hours of morning sun is all your hydrangea needs.
double-check it gets afternoon shade in hot climates.
Full sun is good in colder climates.
One final note: ‘Endless Summer’ may not be the panacea Northerners had been hoping for after all.
Guess it’s not just a Southern thing.
