Question

My Strawberry Sundae hydrangea has never bloomed after 4 years. Please help me to get it to bloom before I dig it up and toss.

Answer

Don’t give up! There are several reasons why a hydrangea doesn’t flower. Often, it is the result of the wrong fertilizer. Give your Strawberry Sundae a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorous than nitrogen. The middle number on the NPK ratio should be higher than the other two. Also, take a look at our hydrangea pruning guide for tips on when and how to prune. Prune at the wrong time of year and you risk cutting off the flower buds. And, be certain your hydrangea is getting at least half a day of sunlight and ample moisture. Follow these guidelines and your hydrangea should flower next year.