Hydrangea lovers are in for a treat this summer. From coast to coast, these beloved shrubs are putting on a spectacular show with bigger, more abundant blooms than we’ve seen in years.
Here’s a look at the perfect storm of factors behind this hydrangea bonanza, and a festival happening now that’s a must-visit if you’re in the area.
1. A Mild Winter Protected Delicate Buds
Hydrangeas set their flower buds for the following year in late summer. For a stunning display, these buds need to survive the winter unscathed. Fortunately, the winter of 2023-2024 was unusually moderate in hydrangea country, with few nights dipping below 10°F in the Northeast.(ref) This allowed the buds to emerge intact and ready to burst into bloom.
2. Ample Rainfall Fueled Lush Growth
Hydrangeas are thirsty plants that rely on consistent moisture to support their lush growth and bountiful blooms.
Regular rainfall throughout the summer and fall of 2023 set the stage for this year’s fantastic flowering. The wet conditions gave plants the resources they needed to produce a bumper crop of blossoms.
3. Coastal Regions Are Seeing the Best Displays
While hydrangeas are thriving everywhere, they’re especially spectacular in coastal areas this year. The naturally acidic soil in these regions produces vivid blue flowers, and the moderating influence of the ocean protects tender buds from winter damage.
From Cape Cod to the Oregon coast, it’s a banner year for these beloved blooms.
4. New Reblooming Varieties Extend the Show
Advances in hydrangea breeding are also contributing to this year’s exceptional display.
Reblooming varieties like the popular Endless Summer series pump out flowers non-stop from late spring through fall. These next-gen hydrangeas form buds on both old and new wood, ensuring a steady supply of blooms even if winter claims some casualties.
5. Proper Care Is Paying Off
While weather is the biggest factor in this year’s hydrangea success, proper care also plays a role. Hydrangeas benefit from consistent moisture, light fertilization, and protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Gardeners who have been diligent about meeting their hydrangeas’ needs are being rewarded with a spectacular show.
6. It’s an Ideal Year to Add Hydrangeas to Your Garden
If you’ve been on the fence about adding hydrangeas to your landscape, this is the year to take the plunge. Garden centers are well-stocked with a wide variety of hydrangeas, from compact rebloomers to stately oakleaf varieties.
And with this year’s ideal growing conditions, your new additions are sure to thrive and put on a breathtaking display for years to come.
New England’s Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, now in its 10th year, is set to paint the region in vibrant hues from July 5-14, 2024, offering garden enthusiasts a chance to explore over 90 private gardens and soak in expert knowledge on these beloved blooms.
With daily tours, workshops led by horticultural heavyweights, and a slew of hydrangea-themed events, this 10-day extravaganza isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it’s also a boon for local nonprofits, who’ll benefit from the $5 per person, per garden tour fees.
Tips for Caring for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are beloved for their stunning blooms and lush foliage, making them a favorite among gardeners. With a few simple care tips, you can keep your hydrangeas thriving and putting on a spectacular show year after year.
- Plant hydrangeas in well-draining soil amended with organic matter like compost
- Provide morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal growth and blooming
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in early fall
- Prune at the right time based on your hydrangea variety to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms
- Protect tender buds from winter damage by applying a layer of mulch
So there you have it – a perfect alignment of weather and horticultural innovation has converged to make 2024 the year of the hydrangea. Gardeners, take a moment to bask in the abundant beauty of these timeless shrubs.
And if you’ve been considering adding some to your landscape, seize the moment and enjoy the spectacular results.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.