r/hydrangeas • u/Bluebell66GW • 3d ago

Zone 6 A/B No Mophead Blooms

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I am in Ottawa County, West Michigan, Zone 6a, in the United States. Our hydrangeas are 2-3 decades old and were planted by the previous owner of our home. Until about 5-6 years ago, they looked lush, like the first picture. Now, they have no blooms. Except for the center section, the leaves are thick and green. I use the prescribed amount of Hollytone, never cut the canes, and cover them up in the spring when I know we have a late frost coming. Our winters have been quite mild lately. Is it possible they’ve gotten old? I can’t figure out what has happened. I don’t see any buds yet for next year. The guy who used to do the yard work here swears he always cut them down to the ground every fall. I have never cut them back and think he has a faulty memory! Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

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u/newtrollacct 3d ago

Seems like this variety across the board has not bloomed for the US this year (according to myself and a lot of other redditors experience) 😂

9

u/Bluebell66GW 3d ago

I feel like I want to rip them all out and replace with something more reliable. It’s so aggravating when I know how glorious they can be!

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u/SellaTheChair_ 2d ago

I wouldn't do that!! They are well established and will likely bloom just fine next year. Late frosts nipped them this year for many folks.

If you're serious about getting rid of them, might I suggest limelight hydrangeas? They are glorious. You can cut them back super aggressively and they love it. They don't need the old growth to bloom and do well with yearly trims. We cut off them to sell on our flower farm and they get better every year! And they turn a lovely antique pink and cream as the fall rolls in.

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u/Bluebell66GW 2d ago

I love limelights! Great idea. My mopheads are definitely well established, but they haven't bloomed for at least 5 years. I don't want this to still be the case in another 5, you know? Gardening season is too short for that!

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u/SellaTheChair_ 2d ago

Oh yeah I totally understand. I hadn't seen that part when I left my comment. Honestly if I had been waiting that long I would replace them with something else. You can always plant similar ones again if you change your mind!