Is Endless Summer Hydrangea a Heavy Bloomer?

Types

• As of 2013, the Endless Summer collection offers four different types of hydrangea: Original, "Blushing Bride," "Twist-n-Shout" and "Bella Anna." The Original has pink or blue blooms, depending on soil pH. "Blushing Bride" starts off the summer with white blooms that gracefully fade into a pale pink, as if the flower clusters were blushing. "Twist-n-Shout" is the only lacecap hydrangea in the group, while "Bella Anna" was the first pink Annabelle-type hydrangea (Hydrangea aborescens), which grows in USDA zones 3 through 9.

Sun

• Depending on where you live, chances are you've heard more than a few tips on getting your hydrangeas to bloom. These big-flowered shrubs vary in their sunlight preferences, depending on which region they're planted in. It's not so much the sun as it is in the soil temperature. Hot afternoon sun during dry periods can dry and heat the soil up to intolerable conditions for hydrangeas. So, in most regions they prefer dappled shade with a bit of morning sun. Endless Summer suggests that in the northern part of their range, USDA zones 4 through 5a, they get at least six hours of sun with dappled shade only during the hottest parts of the day. Too much shade will cause these shrubs not to flower as much. Don't plant them in full shade.

Water

• If you've ever cared for hydrangeas, you're probably fully aware they wilt quickly during the hottest part of the day if not watered correctly. Yes, they do need plenty of water. The soil should remain consistently moist but not overly wet. Too much water will cause your shrub to produce lots of new growth but smaller flower heads. The key is consistency in your watering.

Fertilizer

• Endless Summer recommends feeding the collection of hydrangeas once per year in spring or early summer. Sprinkle an organic, granular, 10-30-10 slow-release fertilizer into the soil around the plant at a rate of 1 cup per 50 square feet. Scratch it into the soil with a cultivator and then water the area thoroughly. Check the package for detailed instructions because some products may suggest a different quantity of fertilizer. The phosphorous -- the middle number in the NPK ratio -- really boosts the hydrangea's flower production because it encourages the development and growth of the root system, flowers and fruits. Other than Endless Summer hydrangeas, they should be OK without additional fertilizer, although container plants may need more in summer.