In New Zealand, When Do Hydrangeas Flower?

In New Zealand, hydrangeas are a popular and diverse plant variety that can be grown in various seasons. The best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or autumn, with the most common varieties being macrophyllas, leafy pink and blue mop-heads, and lacecaps. Hydrangeas bloom from late spring through summer, with a graceful fading charm through autumn into winter. They start flowering early to midsummer, with blooms often outlasting the summer months. Buds tend to appear in late summer or early autumn.

Soil conditions also influence the color of hydrangeas. Acid conditions intensify blues, while alkaline soils favor pink and red shades. To enhance pink shades, it is recommended to cut back the shoots with a general garden fertiliser late in autumn. There are six main types of hydrangeas: Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla) Oakleaf, which can be grown in garden beds or pots, or used as an informal hedge in a semi-shaded area.

The most common varieties of hydrangeas are the macrophyllas, which grow well when planted in partial shade, and the oakleaf, which grows well in well-drained, rich garden soil. From November through to around March, hydrangeas and lavenders are abundant, making them a great gift or treat-yourself decoration.

To plant hydrangeas successfully, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide at planting time. Trim around the buds around August to September, and trim around the moptop flowers, which are sterile and never pollinated. Flowering occurs from November to February, with shades of pinks, blues, and white.

Hydroponic fertilization and mulching with compost or composted soil are required for annual growth. Hydrangeas can be planted all year round, but spring and autumn are recommended when the soil is moist.

Why are my hydrangeas not flowering in NZ?

Hydrangeas may not be blooming due to various reasons, including pruning at the wrong time, late spring freezes, lack of sunlight, too much nitrogen fertiliser, or growing in too cold a zone. The most likely reason is pruning at the wrong time and cutting off flower buds. Late spring freezes can kill flower buds from the previous summer, but repeat blooming types can overcome this by forming new stems. French and lacecap hydrangeas need at least three hours of sunlight to stage a strong flower show.

Too much nitrogen fertiliser, especially from lawns, can also result in hydrangeas not flowering. If none of these conditions apply, it may be trying to grow them in too cold a zone, as some hydrangea shrubs can survive winter in a too-cold zone but will never flower due to the cold killing the blossom buds.

Keeping hydrangeas inside for a long period of time is not ideal, but they do require a period of dormancy in winter due to colder weather. Hydrangeas are also prone to drying out quickly indoors due to the rapid warming of houses in summer.

Where is the best place to plant hydrangeas in NZ?

Hydrangea plants are best suited to environments with partial shade or dappled light, although they can tolerate full shade or full sun. It is of the utmost importance that the soil is of a high quality and has excellent drainage properties. Hydrangeas are classified as “gross feeders,” meaning they require a substantial amount of organic matter to sustain optimal growth.

How do you take care of hydrangeas in NZ?

Hydrangeas require minimal care, including watering over summer, using a general garden fertiliser in late autumn, and pruning back to half size in autumn. To encourage flower growth, cut just above a pair of fat nodes. Pruning can be trimmed to 20-30cm and planted in potting mix or prepared soil for new plants. Lack of flowers can be due to poor fertilisation or too much shade. Powdery mildew can affect hydrangeas, causing them to yellow and wilt.

Infected parts should be removed and sprayed with a fungicide. The Hydrangea Valley in Trebah Garden in Cornwall left a lasting impression on a landscape designer, with massed blooms spilling down the Valley towards the sea and mirroring in the Mallard Pond at the Valley house. The blooms, planted over 50 years ago, became a source of income for the garden.

How to care for hydrangeas in NZ?

Hydrangeas require minimal care, including watering over summer, using a general garden fertiliser in late autumn, and pruning back to half size in autumn. To encourage flower growth, cut just above a pair of fat nodes. Pruning can be trimmed to 20-30cm and planted in potting mix or prepared soil for new plants. Lack of flowers can be due to poor fertilisation or too much shade. Powdery mildew can affect hydrangeas, causing them to yellow and wilt.

Infected parts should be removed and sprayed with a fungicide. The Hydrangea Valley in Trebah Garden in Cornwall left a lasting impression on a landscape designer, with massed blooms spilling down the Valley towards the sea and mirroring in the Mallard Pond at the Valley house. The blooms, planted over 50 years ago, became a source of income for the garden.

What to feed hydrangeas in NZ in winter?

Hydrangeas, like roses, require frequent feeding and water to maintain their large blooms. Feed them every three months, starting with late winter pruning and ending in late spring. Use Triabon or Nitrophoska for pot plants and Biophos for ground plants. Water them as needed throughout the season, especially during mid-summer, especially if in pots. Hydrangeas come in three basic colors: blue, white, and pink. Whites need more shade to avoid sunburn and prolong their fading blooms into autumn.

Do hydrangeas grow in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s popular hydrangea varieties include bigleaf hydrangeas like Ayesha, Blaumeise, Bloody Marvellous, Bridal Bouquet, Julianna, Machiko, Masja, and Trophy. They can be planted year-round but best during spring and autumn to avoid extreme temperatures. Kiwi gardeners have access to a diverse range of hydrangeas, which grow well in most soil types and can be planted from September to November or March to May.

What month do you prune hydrangeas in NZ?

Hydrangeas can be pruned in autumn or early spring/late winter, with the fat flower buds developing around August/September. Deadhead in autumn and then prune back to a fat bud after frost threat has passed. Hydrangeas are ideal for picking and drying, as they hold their color well and are popular for bouquets. Picked in late summer to autumn, hang upside down in a dark room to prolong their color. Ensure air circulation and straight stems. After 2-4 weeks, you’ll have beautiful dried hydrangeas to enjoy.

Do hydrangeas like sun or no sun?

Hydrangeas, commonly known as hydrangeas, prefer partial sun locations, receiving sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. The Endless Summer® Hydrangea series, such as BloomStruck®, Endless Summer®, Blushing Bride®, and Twist-n-Shout®, prefer part shade. Smooth hydrangeas like the Annabelle Hydrangea also require some shade from the afternoon sun. Bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as hydrangea macrophylla, prefer some shade, especially during the afternoon. For best flowering, big leaf hydrangeas like Nikko Blue and Glowing Embers should get some sun.

Planting hydrangeas in a spot with good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade is essential. Most hydrangeas bloom in spring and summer, and can reach heights of 15 feet or higher. They can be grown in pots to decorate patios, apartment balconies, or as a hedge or privacy screen.

Panicle hydrangeas like Fire Light®, Limelight, Pinky Winky®, Strawberry Sundae®, and Vanilla Strawberry® can thrive in full sun. The new reblooming dwarf series, Let’s Dance®, and dwarf big leaf series, Cityline®, grow best in full or part sun. Newer smooth hydrangea varieties, Incrediball®, and Invincibelle® Ruby, are also recommended for full or part sun.

When to buy hydrangeas in NZ?

Hydrangeas are a hardy, quick-to-establish plant that thrives in spring and autumn. Popular varieties include Climbing, Lacecap, Mopheads, Oak-leafed Hydrangea, and Grandiflora. A strong foundation is crucial for hydrangea growth, with well-worked, fertile soil. Organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost can be added to existing garden beds, followed by Tui Rose and Shrub Mix. Planting early in the morning or late in the day prevents exposure to hot sun, and ensures proper watering before and after planting.

Can you move hydrangeas in NZ?

Transplanting fruit, trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, and bulbs is a common method for preserving and enhancing the beauty of your garden. Fruits like citrus, blueberries, cranberries, feijoa, raspberries, dwarf apples, peaches, and apricots can be easily transplanted before they become too established. Trees can be transplanted if their trunk diameter is less than 15cm. Shrubs, such as camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, can be moved up to 1.

5-1. 5 meters tall due to their shallow root systems. Shorter shrubs like daphne, hydrangeas, hebes, and flax are best transplanted when they are 1. 5-1 meters tall. Roses can be easily transplanted in winter, but they should be pruned back hard and placed in Tui Rose and Shrub Mix. Perennials can be lifted, divided, and transplanted late autumn and winter. Bulbs can be transplanted when dormant in summer-autum and fed with Tui Bulb Food.

Do hydrangeas lose their leaves in winter in NZ?

When adding hydrangeas to your garden, consider the fact that they lose their leaves and flowers in winter. Place them in a bare spot and water them deeply to keep them thriving. Trim them back to healthy buds after losing their leaves to ensure another stunning season. Feed them Kings Fast Food Liquid Fertilizer or Kings Rose Food between early spring and early autumn for a boost. For blue or pink flowering hydrangeas, adjust the soil acidity to enhance their color by using aluminium sulphate to deepen blue hues and dolomite lime to intensify pinks.