When Should Hydrangeas Be Fertilized In Michigan?

In Michigan, it is essential to fertilize hydrangea flowers at two specific times: during the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and rainfall is more abundant. The best time to plant hydrangeas is during these months, as they typically bloom from late spring to early fall. Proper care and climate conditions affect the exact blooming period of hydrangeas.

For hydrangeas planted in ground, the best time to fertilize is during the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and rainfall is more abundant. To ensure hydrangeas thrive, choose the right fertilizer and maintain a consistent schedule. For big leaf hydrangeas, use several light fertilizer applications in March, May, and June. Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas should be fertilized once a year in late winter or spring. Smooth hydrangeas, also known as sevenbark, are small- to medium-sized, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrubs native to the eastern United States.

For overwintered hydrangeas, give them fertilizer in early spring and again in May. Hydrangeas benefit from fertilizer applied in mid- to late spring and at additional intervals, depending on whether you choose slow- or fast-release fertilizers. Fast-release fertilizer should be lightly dressed with fast-release fertilizer in March, May, and July, spreading it around the drip line of the branches. Fertilizer should be applied only in the spring and early summer, not during the fall, as it can trigger new growth as the plants grow.