Why do hydrangeas only grow leaves and no flowers?

Hydrangea is a famous ornamental flower , which is popular among people because of its beautiful flower shape and rich colors. Basically, many people will have a pot of hydrangea at home, but many people always encounter the problem of only growing leaves but not flowers when raising hydrangeas. So what is the specific reason? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer

If hydrangea only grows leaves but does not bloom, it is very likely due to excessive nitrogen fertilizer, causing it to grow rapidly but not bloom. It is recommended to use general growth fertilizer in the early stage, which is a fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio of 1:1:1. In April, use fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium content.

2. Light causes

Hydrangea is a short-day plant. If the daylight is too long during the flower bud differentiation period, it will affect the differentiation of flower buds, resulting in very few flowers. However, insufficient light can also cause the plant to not bloom, because it will affect the promotion of photosynthesis, so there is a possibility of fewer flowers blooming.

3. Improper pruning

The flower buds of hydrangeas are mostly formed in the autumn of the previous year. If they are pruned too early in spring, the flower buds may be cut off, resulting in no flowering that year. The correct time for pruning is after flowering, especially for varieties that bloom on old branches, which should be pruned in time after flowering.

4. Unsuitable soil

Hydrangeas prefer loose, breathable, slightly acidic soil. If potted hydrangeas are cultivated using easily compacted garden soil, watering in the later stage can easily make the soil wet on the outside and dry on the inside, which will eventually cause the roots to lack water. If there is not enough nutrition at this time, it will naturally not bloom.

5. Temperature discomfort

Hydrangea grows well in warm climates; if the ambient temperature is too low or too high, it will affect its normal flowering process. Too low temperature will inhibit the differentiation and development of flower buds, while high temperature will cause the flower buds to fall off.

6. Improper pest and disease control

Hydrangeas are susceptible to some diseases and pests, such as aphids, red spiders, etc. They are also prone to diseases such as gray mold and leaf spot. These diseases and pests are also one of the important reasons why hydrangeas do not bloom. Therefore, it is necessary to check the plants regularly and take appropriate preventive measures when problems are found.

Generally speaking, when many people grow hydrangeas, they only grow leaves in the spring. The leaves grow very large and very thick, but they do not bloom. In fact, there are problems in the fertilization, pruning, lighting and other aspects. You just need to refer to the above reasons and solve them in time.