At just 18-to-36-inches tall, the tiny Summer Crush Hydrangea has cottage appeal and then some.
Mopheads bloom in either neon purple orraspberry redperfect for brightening up the yard in a flash.
It can just as easily be worked into larger landscapes.
Credit: Bailey Nurseries
If you thought the draw of this dazzling, berry-hued wonder was its attention-seeking color, think again.
What makes Endless Summer hydrangeas of any variety so popular is their repeat blooming.
Like other bigleaf hydrangeas, they will perform best with consistent moisture and afternoon shade in the South.
Hydrangea macrophyllawill yield pink blooms in an alkaline soil, but blue flowers in an acidic one.Credit:Ron Koeberer/Aurora/Getty Images
Light
As with other mophead orFrench hydrangeas, Summer Crush requires morning sun and afternoon shade.
Summer Crush’s color will vary according to the acidity of your soil.
For purple or blue blooms, you need acidic soil.
To make your soil more alkaline, use garden lime according to package directions.
To make it more acidic, use aluminum sulfate.
If the soil feels dry, give the hydrangeas a good soak.
They prefer a heavy watering once a week or so, compared to a light sprinkling daily.
More frequent watering may be necessary during dry or hot weather.
Soil should ideally stay moist, but not wet.
Alayer of mulchwill help conserve moisture.
The farther South you live, the more shade you should provide.
Late freezes can kill off the first bloom if stems aren’t adequately protected.
Apply a second time in June or July to promote a second wave of blooms.
Over-fertilizing can reduce blooming.
Lacecap and mountain hydrangeas can take the cold a bit better.
The condition hydrangeas are most sensitive to is being exposed to a freeze after an extended warm spell.
In those areas, additional protection may be required.
The scientific name for lacecap hydrangeas isHydrangea macrophylla normalis.
Lacecaps are identical to mopheads in every way except the shape of their blooms.
Pruning
Summer Crush hydrangea need very little pruning.
Remove stems that you’re certain didn’t survive the winter once green growth has appeared.
Then leave those late summer blooms in place until the following spring.
Otherwise, you may accidentally remove next spring’s flower buds.
Propagating Summer Crush Hydrangea
Summer Crush hydrangea is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.
Potting And Repotting Summer Crush Hydrangea
Summer Crush’s compact size makes it ideal forplanting in containers.
The pot you choose should be a few inches wider than the nursery container and include drainage holes.
Place the hydrangea in the container so it is about an inch below the top.
Fill in around the plant with potting mix until it is level with the hydrangea’s soil line.
To protect from hard frosts, pile leaves or straw up to 12 inches high.
Wait until all danger of frost has passed before removing excess mulch so you don’t lose new buds.
For container plants, simply move them into a cool space such as a garage or basement for winter.
Water lightly throughout winter since the plant will not receive rainfall.
verify to protect the stems if you have a cold snap.
In the South, excessive heat and drought can also interfere with flowering.
ensure to water adequately and use bloom-boosting fertilizer with a higher phosphorus level that is designed for flowers.
Too much fertilizer and even too much watering can interfere with blooming.
Aphids and other insects can be sprayed off with a strong stream of water or treated with insecticidal soap.
Anthracnose can spread into larger brown patches.
Remove affected leaves and dispose of them.
Spray foliage with a fungicide and repeat as necessary.
Problems with this plant most frequently occur from incorrect watering or pruning.
A couple of hours of morning sun is best in a hotter climate.
Check the soil first to confirm it isn’t already moist.
Sometimes hydrangeas will wilt in the heat even when adequately watered, then recover once the temperature cools.
Also, add mulch under the plant if the soil is bare.
Also, be careful not to wet hydrangea flowers when watering, especially on a sunny day.
No Blooms
Endless Summer hydrangeas sometimes take a year or two to fully establish and bloom well.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can interfere with flowering and keep a close eye on soil moisture.
And of course, be careful not to remove buds when pruning.
Summer Crush is disease-resistant and requires little pruning.
However,panicle hydrangeasmay be a better choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance hydrangea.
They don’t require fertilizing and are more tolerant sun, heat, and dry soil.
Summer Crush has vivid blooms that range from raspberry red to purple.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Hydrangea.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Hydrangea.
