When Do The Hydrangeas On Cape Cod Bloom?

Cape Cod’s Hydrangea Festival is not just about the region’s signature bloom, but also celebrates various flowers, plants, and gardens across the Cape. The dominant species is Hydrangea macrophylla, which blooms from mid-June to early August. The festival features the large and pendulous flowers of Hydrangea paniculata, which blooms on “old wood” in the south and later in July on Cape Cod. The festival runs through Sunday, July 14, and visitors can enjoy the smell of the flowers. Hydrangeas thrive in wet summers and warm winters, with plants forming flower buds for the next year in mid to late summer. Three bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) can be planted in gardens to transport visitors to Cape Cod all summer long. Hydrangeas have long been Cape Cod’s quintessential flower, and the Cape has its own festival to celebrate their beauty.

Why are hydrangeas doing so well in Massachusetts this year?

This plant is a distinctive species in New England’s coastal communities, exhibiting a distinctive blue coloration and displaying a preference for warmer winter and cooler summer temperatures, which enhance its probability of flowering.

What conditions do hydrangeas like best?

Hydrangeas are best planted in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade, with mature sizes and ample room for growth. They should be planted in areas with excellent drainage and composted soil. Avoid planting under trees, as root competition and lack of sunlight can hinder their growth. Plant hydrangeas in exposed areas with gusty winds. To start, amend the soil with organic matter and an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer. Plant slightly higher than in the nursery container, with a planting hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball.

Gently loosen potbound roots before planting, backfill with amended soil, and water well. Space hydrangeas at least 3 feet apart for larger varieties. For pot planting, use bagged potting mix instead of garden soil, mix in slow-release fertilizer, leave 1 to 2 inches between the soil and pot rim, and ensure pots have drainage holes and room for plant growth.

What is the season of availability for hydrangeas?

Many popular flowers and greens are available all year round, including focal flowers like roses and gerbera daisies, filler flowers like asters and baby’s breath, secondary flowers like Mini Carnations, Larkspur, and Spray Roses, and plenty of greenery like lemon leaf and ruscus. However, other natural floral products are limited to seasons and subject to varying factors that limit their availability.

Flowers in season and flowers out of season are determined by several factors, including whether the flower or greenery is grown in a greenhouse or out in a field that can be impacted by weather. For example, hydrangeas and chrysanthemums can be grown in a greenhouse, sourced all months of the year, while dahlias or peonies are grown only outdoors, limiting their availability to when conditions are right for them to produce blooms.

Are hydrangeas in season?

Hydrangeas are woody shrubs known for their beautiful blossoms, typically blooming from mid-spring to late summer or early fall. However, the timing of hydrangea flowers depends on various factors, including the variety and other factors. There is no set date for hydrangea blossoms due to the five main types found in North America: bigleaf, oakleaf, panicle, smooth, and climbing. If your hydrangea is not blooming during this season, it may be necessary to learn more about its specific variety and other factors influencing its flowering.

What month do hydrangeas bloom in Massachusetts?

Hydrangea quercifolia, also known as “Oak Leaf Hydrangea”, blooms on “old wood” from early June in the south and later in July on Cape Cod. Pruning hydrangeas effectively requires knowledge of the plant’s species, such as macrophylla, serrata, arborescens, paniculata, quercifolia (oakleafs), and anomala (climbers). New wood refers to the current season’s growth, with flowers developing immediately from new growth.

Arborescens and paniculatas produce blooms entirely on new wood, while macrophyllas, serratas, quercifolias, and anomalas all flower on old wood. Arborescens and paniculata species are cold-hardy and reliable annual bloomers, making late fall pruning the best time in zones 6 and 7.

Why does Cape Cod have so many hydrangeas?

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is known as a hydrangea haven due to its temperate climate, sandy soils, and coastal influences. The region has numerous gardens and nurseries dedicated to these beautiful blooms. The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, a collaborative effort between local gardeners, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, celebrates hydrangeas in private gardens not typically open to the public.

This year, visitors can enjoy a variety of garden tours, explore different hydrangea varieties, and learn gardening tips from experts. Visitors can also visit the Heritage Museum and Garden, which offers exhibits, festival activities, and gardens filled with rhododendrons, daylilies, and other hydrangeas.

What hydrangeas have the most blooms?

The classic panicle hydrangea blooms from late summer to early fall, producing large, conical white flowers that age to reddish pink. It grows 8-10 feet tall in full sun or part shade and is cold-hardy. The dwarf oakleaf hydrangea has golden foliage that turns a mellow crimson in fall, brightest when planted in morning sun but still shines in full-shade gardens. Its cone-shaped, white flowers appear in midsummer and are hardy in Zones 5-9. The dwarf variety, Little Quick Fire, grows 3-5 feet tall and blooms a month earlier than other hydrangeas.

The flowers start white in early summer and transform to blush pink in sun or part shade. It is hardy in Zones 3-8 and can be placed in an unheated garage surrounded by mulch for insulation during winter.

When to see hydrangeas in Nantucket?

The optimal period for observing the seasonal display of vibrant hues is between the last week of June and the third week of July, contingent upon prevailing climatic conditions. A survey of the hydrangeas on July 9th afforded an opportunity to observe the downtown area of Sconset at its most colorful.

How long are hydrangeas in bloom?

Reblooming hydrangeas bloom on both new and old growth, providing long-lasting blooms of blue, violet, pink, white, or chartreuse from June until frost. They also perform a magic trick by changing color depending on soil acidity. To create stunning blue hydrangeas, amend soil with Espoma’s Organic Soil Acidifier. The Original Endless Summer Hydrangea, the first non-stop blooming hydrangea, is easy to care for and offers color-changing blooms all season.

When can you see hydrangeas in Cape Cod?

The Cape Cod Hydrangea Society has established a garden in 2010 to showcase 155 Hydrangea species and cultivars, with Hydrangea macrophylla being the dominant species. The garden includes many ‘historic’ cultivars not commonly found in the trade. Hydrangeas typically bloom from early July to end of September. The Cape Cod Hydrangea Society aims to increase knowledge and enjoyment of hydrangeas and share their knowledge with the Cape Cod community. The garden’s colors range from white to pink, blue, or purple, depending on the soil’s acidity. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils produce pink flowers.

What kind of hydrangeas are on Cape Cod?

Hydrangeas are a fascinating and versatile flowering plants, known for their vibrant blooms and diverse varieties. Originating from Asia and the Americas, they have been cultivated for their beauty and versatility. The name “hydrangea” comes from the Greek words “hydor”, meaning water, and “angeion”, meaning vessel, reflecting the plant’s need for ample water. The first hydrangeas were brought to Europe from Japan in the 18th century, and over time, various species and cultivars were developed, each with its unique characteristics and charm. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, hydrangeas offer something for everyone. Join us in exploring their history, types, care tips, and creative uses in landscaping.