Hydrangeas are recognizable flowering shrubs known for their large, often color-changing blooms. Whether these plants bloom more than once depends entirely on the variety planted. While many traditional hydrangeas provide a single flush of flowers, selective breeding has introduced special cultivars that offer repeat or near-continuous flowering. Understanding the specific type of hydrangea you have is the first step to unlocking its full blooming potential.
Understanding Old Wood and New Wood Bloomers
Hydrangeas are categorized by where they form flower buds. “Old wood” refers to stems that grew the previous summer, where buds are set in late summer or fall. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are classic examples of shrubs that bloom on old wood.
This habit limits the bloom period to a single annual event because the plant must successfully overwinter those delicate buds. If a late spring frost or improper pruning damages the old wood stems, the entire season’s bloom is often lost. The traditional bloom period for these types is typically early to mid-summer.
In contrast, “new wood” hydrangeas produce flower buds on the fresh growth that emerges in the current spring. Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) fall into this group. Because buds form on current season growth, these types can be pruned in late winter or early spring without sacrificing summer flowers. The new wood habit ensures a more consistent bloom, typically beginning later in the summer than old wood varieties.
Identifying Reblooming and Everblooming Cultivars
Special varieties known as reblooming, or remontant, hydrangeas were developed for a longer flowering period. These cultivars produce flowers on both old wood and new wood. The first flush appears on the old wood, similar to traditional H. macrophylla, providing an early summer display. As the season progresses, the plants develop new flower buds on current season’s growth, leading to a second, continuous flush of blooms.
This new wood blooming ability acts as a safeguard against environmental damage. If a harsh winter or late freeze kills the old wood buds, the plant can still produce flowers later in the summer. The ‘Endless Summer’ series was one of the first famous examples of these rebloomers, alongside others like the ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘Forever and Ever’ series.
Specific cultivars, such as ‘Twist-n-Shout’, a reblooming lacecap, demonstrate this dual capability, extending the flowering period from early summer until the first frost. This prolonged performance is why they are often referred to as “everblooming,” although the flowering is actually a succession of distinct bloom cycles. By selecting these modern cultivars, gardeners can enjoy flowers for three to five months, significantly longer than traditional single-blooming types.
Care Strategies for Multiple Bloom Cycles
To ensure reblooming hydrangeas actually deliver multiple flushes of flowers, specific cultural practices must be followed after the first bloom fades. The process of deadheading the spent flowers is important, but it must be done carefully to avoid removing new, developing buds. Gardeners should clip the faded flower head back to the first set of healthy leaves, or just above a swelling bud, and should not prune further down the stem.
Fertilization supports the energy demands of continuous flowering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or one with a slightly higher phosphorus ratio, is recommended for application in early spring as new growth emerges. A light second feeding after the first bloom cycle concludes in mid-summer can help fuel the development of new wood flowers.
Consistent water availability is important, as dry conditions can halt the formation of subsequent flower buds. Hydrangas require consistent, deep watering, typically needing about one inch of water per week during dry spells. Ensuring the plant receives morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, helps maintain moisture balance and prevents heat stress.