Endless Summer® Hydrangea

Endless Summer® Hydrangea shrubs are unique because they flower on both old and new stems, providing continuous blooms from spring through fall. This dual blooming habit sets them apart from other hydrangeas, which typically only bloom on old wood. The buds that form on old stems produce the first round of flowers in late spring to early summer, giving an early burst of color. After this initial bloom, the Endless Summer Hydrangea continues to produce new stems throughout the growing season, leading to additional blooms on the new wood later in summer and into the fall.

Because Endless Summer Hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood, they are more forgiving when it comes to pruning and winter damage. Even if some of the old stems are damaged by cold temperatures or pruning, the new growth will still produce flowers. This characteristic makes them an ideal choice for gardeners looking for reliable, long-lasting blooms in a variety of climates. To maximize flowering, it’s important to prune selectively, removing only dead or damaged stems while allowing the old growth to produce the early blooms. With proper care, Endless Summer Hydrangeas will reward you with continuous, beautiful flowers throughout the growing season.

To create a lush hedge with Endless Summer® Hydrangea shrubs, it’s important to space them properly for optimal growth and bloom coverage. For a dense and continuous hedge, plant each Endless Summer Hydrangea approximately 3-4 feet apart, measuring from the center of one shrub to the center of the next. This spacing allows enough room for the hydrangeas to grow to their mature size, which typically reaches 3-5 feet in height and width, while also encouraging their branches to fill in and form a cohesive, colorful hedge. Proper spacing is key to ensuring that the plants have enough air circulation to prevent disease and promote healthy growth.

When planting your Endless Summer Hydrangea hedge, ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter to support robust root development. Each shrub should be planted at the same depth as it was in its original container, with a generous watering after planting to help establish the roots. As the hydrangeas mature, regular pruning and deadheading will encourage continuous blooming, and with the correct spacing, the hedge will become a stunning focal point in your landscape. By allowing each shrub enough space to grow and fill in naturally, your Endless Summer Hydrangea hedge will provide a long-lasting display of vibrant flowers throughout the growing season.

To make Endless Summer® Hydrangea flowers blue, you’ll need to adjust the pH of the soil to create more acidic conditions. Hydrangea blooms turn blue in soils with a pH level of 5.5 or lower, which allows the plant to absorb more aluminum, a mineral that influences flower color. Start by testing your soil’s pH with a soil testing kit to determine its current level. If the pH is too high (more alkaline), you can lower it by adding soil amendments such as aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur. Mix these into the soil around the base of the hydrangea, following the package instructions carefully. Water the soil thoroughly after applying these amendments to help the hydrangea roots absorb the aluminum.

In addition to adjusting the pH, regular feeding with a fertilizer low in phosphorus and high in potassium can also help enhance the blue color of your Endless Summer Hydrangea blooms. Avoid fertilizers high in phosphorus, as this can inhibit the plant's ability to absorb aluminum. Over time, the pH adjustments will influence the color of the blooms, turning them a beautiful shade of blue. Keep monitoring your soil's pH throughout the growing season and reapply amendments as needed to maintain the acidic conditions. With the right care, you can enjoy vibrant blue blooms on your Endless Summer Hydrangea, adding a cool, serene touch to your garden.

To make Endless Summer® Hydrangea flowers turn pink, you’ll need to adjust the pH of your soil to create more alkaline conditions. Hydrangea blooms will turn pink in soils with a pH level of 6.5 or higher, as this reduces the plant’s ability to absorb aluminum, the mineral responsible for blue flowers. To raise the soil’s pH, apply garden lime (calcium carbonate) around the base of the hydrangea, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly work the lime into the soil and water thoroughly to help the plant absorb the change. Be patient, as the transition to pink blooms may take some time and may require several applications to achieve the desired color.

In addition to adjusting the soil’s pH, using a balanced fertilizer with higher phosphorus levels can also help promote pink blooms on your Endless Summer Hydrangea. Phosphorus inhibits aluminum absorption, further encouraging the flowers to shift to a pink hue. Make sure to test the soil’s pH regularly throughout the growing season to maintain the correct alkaline conditions. By carefully managing your soil’s pH and feeding the hydrangea appropriately, you can enjoy stunning pink blooms that add warmth and vibrancy to your garden landscape.

Endless Summer® Hydrangea shrubs are not considered deer-resistant, as deer may browse on their tender leaves, buds, and flowers, especially in areas with high deer populations or during times of food scarcity. While hydrangeas do not top the list of deer’s favorite plants, they can still experience damage, particularly in the early spring when other food sources are limited. If you live in an area with frequent deer activity, it's important to take steps to protect your Endless Summer Hydrangeas to preserve their beautiful blooms and foliage.

To reduce the chances of deer damage, consider using deer repellents, which can be applied to the foliage and flowers. Additionally, planting Endless Summer Hydrangeas near deer-resistant plants, such as lavender or boxwood, can help create a natural deterrent. Fencing or netting can also be effective in keeping deer away from your hydrangeas. While Endless Summer Hydrangeas are prized for their long-lasting blooms and ability to thrive in various climates, some extra care may be required to protect them in areas where deer are prevalent.

Yes, Endless Summer® Hydrangea shrubs can be successfully grown in pots, making them a versatile option for gardeners with limited space or those looking to add color to patios, balconies, or decks. When planting hydrangeas in containers, choose a pot that is at least 18-24 inches wide and deep to provide enough space for the roots to grow. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot. Use a high-quality potting mix, ideally one that retains moisture but drains well. Place the pot in a location where the hydrangea will receive morning sun and afternoon shade, as this balance helps protect the blooms from intense heat while encouraging growth.

To care for Endless Summer Hydrangeas in pots, water regularly, as container plants tend to dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, and add mulch to help retain moisture. Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Potted Endless Summer Hydrangeas can still showcase the plant’s signature blooms on both old and new wood, offering stunning color throughout the growing season. With the right care, these hydrangeas can thrive in pots and bring vibrant flowers to small garden spaces or urban environments.

Nursery pot sizes are called gallon sizes. You’ll see one-gallon, two-gallon, etc. This can be misleading to gardeners as a one-gallon pot would lead you to believe that the pot would hold one gallon of milk. This is not the case. Gallon is just a term of reference leftover from the days of nurseries growing plants in metal containers.

• 1-gallon (#1) pot for example, can hold 3 quarts of soil yet they are still considered a 1-gallon pot.
• 2-gallon (#2) pot holds about 1.5 gallons of soil
• 3-gallon (#3) pot holds about 2.9 gallons of soil
• 5-gallon (#5) pot holds about 4.6 gallons of soil

What you actually should be concerned with is the dimensions of the pot rather than capacity because let’s face it the size of the hole you dig is dependent on the dimensions, not the capacity.

These are approximate measurements and dimensions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but all dimensions fall in the following specifications.

• 1 Gallon Pot - 6.5 to 7.5 inches wide by 7 to 8 inches deep
• 2 Gallon Pot - 8.5 to 9.5 inches wide by 8 to 9 inches deep
• 3 Gallon Pot - 10.5 to 11.5 inches wide by 9.5 to 10.5 inches deep
• 5 Gallon Pot - 12 to 13 inches wide by 11 to 12.5 inches deep

These are approximate measurements and they do vary from supplier to supplier.