The Secret Behind the ‘Hydrangea Hysteria’ That’s Gripping the Northeast

Hydrangea blooms are busting out all over—and causing hysteria in northeastern states. Gardeners and horticulturists haven’t seen such a banner year for hydrangeas in at least a decade, maybe even two. From New Hampshire south to the Mid-Atlantic states, the vibrant clusters of petals in shades ranging from white and blue to pink and lavender are garnering a great deal of attention this summer season. 

This is such a unique phenomenon that people are traveling to the area from miles away to catch a glimpse of the abundance of blossoms, such as at the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival in Hyannis Port, Mass. Those lucky enough to witness the bloom burst in person are flooding social media with photos and videos showcasing these stunning flowering shrubs known for their long-lasting blooms from early summer through fall. Discover what is causing this special hydrangea season and what you can do to help prolong it.

Which type of hydrangeas are causing the frenzy?

With more than 70 different species and 600 named cultivars, hydrangeas are a favorite flower choice for many gardeners. These deciduous woody-stemmed shrubs produce large plush pops of color to enhance any garden throughout the summer and into autumn. 

In the Northeast, where the hydrangea hysteria is taking place, the most common variety is the big-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), also referred to as French hydrangea, hortensia, lacecap hydrangea, pop-head hydrangea, or snowball plant. They typically produce blue, pink, or purple flowers up to 2 inches or more in diameter, and hydrangea bloom time is usually in July and August. 

Why is this happening now?

Hydrangeas love water, so the particularly rainy fall and mild winter recently set the stage for a burst of blossoms this summer—enough to make headlines. Indeed, last year was one of the wettest years on records for states in the northeastern part of the country, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. 

The wet period triggered a ton of growth for hydrangeas since the soil never dried out. Additionally, the warm winter temperatures due to El Niño conditions prevented frost, which helped protect dormant hydrangea buds. Some experts also think that the heart of the frenzy has to do with the fact that the past few years were disappointing as far as hydrangea blooms go.  

Hydrangeas need a lot of water to thrive.

Precipitation played a major role in this year’s abundance of hydrangea, and this is no surprise since this species requires a great deal of water to grow successfully. In fact, water is key to keeping hydrangea plants thriving in any garden, no matter where you live. 

To care for hydrangeas, water plants deeply three times per week throughout the growing season by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. The plants require 1 inch of water, or 8 to 12 gallons of water, per week. It’s advisable to water hydrangea at the base of the plant to help prevent mold or fungus from growing on the leaves. Early morning hours are the best time for watering since doing it later in the day with stronger sun can lead to faster evaporation. 

Keep in mind that potted hydrangeas may need to be watered on a daily basis. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole, and always water all the way around the pot. To determine whether a hydrangea needs to be watered, observe the leaves. If they are drooping, then it’s time to water the shrub. The flowers will start to look dried out as well. Another way to tell is to feel the soil with your fingertip; if it’s dry, then it’s time to water the plant. 

These tips also can help keep hydrangeas blooming.

While this summer’s hydrangea hysteria will eventually come to an end, you can help prolong blooming as long as possible and prepare for next year by following some important care tips. 

The first step is learning how to answer the questions: when do hydrangeas bloom and how long do hydrangeas bloom? For example, some bloom all year and others rebloom. Make sure the plants are getting the right amount of sun and shade. Most types of hydrangeas prefer partial sun, so they need shelter from strong afternoon sunlight. Big-leaf hydrangeas, for example, will become dry and brown by August if planted in an area receiving constant sun throughout the day. 

Next, prune the shrubs to remove excess branches, leaves, and roots either after they bloom in the summer or in the late winter or early spring, depending on the species and whether blooms come from old or new growth. Remove dead stems to help revitalize the shrub.

If you are concerned about the color of the flowers, then regularly test the soil. The color of the petals will depend on the soil’s pH level: more acidic soils turn the flowers blue, while more alkaline soils turn them pink. Amending the soil based on the result of the test can help control the petal colors. Soil testing can also indicate whether fertilizer is necessary. More often than not, fertilizer isn’t needed, and too much can cause more growth of leaves than flowers. When fertilizing, use a slow-release organic option that is lightly applied.  

To address pests like Japanese beetles, aphids, and spider mites affecting the plants, apply insecticidal soap. Just don’t apply it when the shrubs are in bloom. Opt for a fungicide to tackle any diseases, such as botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and yellow or brown leaf spotting. 

Finally, mulching is important to help the shallow roots retain moisture. Add 2 to 3 inches of organic hardwood mulch around the base of the plants before winter arrives