
This brand of hydrangea is cold hardy and blooms on old and new stem growth
Common Name | Endless Summer hydrangea |
Botanical Name | Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer |
Family | Hydrangeaceae |
Plant Type | Shrub |
Mature Size | 3-5 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide |
What type of hydrangea is an Endless Summer?
The aptly named Endless Summer hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ Endless Summer), also known as bigleaf hydrangea, grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, is one of the rarer varieties that produce blooms on both old and new wood. Do any hydrangeas like full sun? Most hydrangeas prefer only morning sun.
How to grow and care for Endless Summer Hydrangeas?
What You Will Need
- Hydrangea seeds/seedlings or plants: You can easily obtain seeds or seedlings from your local nursery. ...
- Spade or shovel
- Soil or soil additives: With endless summer hydrangeas you can add lime or aluminum sulfate to change the color of the blooms to your liking. ...
- Containers, if container planting: If starting seeds in a container we recommend cell packs. ...
Can you cut back an Endless Summer Hydrangea?
An Endless Summer ® hydrangea blooms both on growth from the previous year as well as on new shoots from the current growing season. Therefore, pruning should be done with great care, as it can otherwise reduce the number of potential blooms for the next year. Best practice is to prune back stems that have just finished flowering to about 20 ...
How to grow Endless Summer Hydrangea in a container?
- First, decide where you’ll put the hydrangeas. ...
- When you’re choosing containers, look for pots with wheels on the bottom, or consider sturdy, rolling plant stands, unless your pots will remain in the same place all the time. ...
- Choose a large container (at least 18 to 20 inches in diameter) for your hydrangea. ...

Is Endless Summer a bigleaf hydrangea?
Giant blooms reach 8-10 inches! Repeat blooms from early summer to frost. Withstands harsh winters.
How do I know if I have an endless summer hydrangea?
Endless Summer Hydrangeas at a GlanceBloom on both old and new wood.Flowers can be pink or blue.Cold hardy.Long blooming period from summer to fall.Can be grown in a container.Prefer partial shade in warmer climates.
Is Endless Summer an oakleaf hydrangea?
Endless Summer® Hydrangeas are all bigleaf hydrangeas. Prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Love well-drained, moist soil.
Do Endless Summer hydrangeas come back every year?
When and Where Endless Summer Hydrangeas Bloom. The plant produces flowers from June through September. Unlike many hydrangeas, it blooms on both old and new growth, which means it forms the flower buds for next year's blooms during the current year.
Should you deadhead Endless Summer hydrangeas?
"Bigleaf hydrangeas, such as Endless Summer, should be deadheaded when the first set of flowers sprouts from last year's growth in the spring, as it eliminates the faded flowers before the next flush appears," she explains.
Should you prune Endless Summer hydrangeas?
Endless Summer Hydrangeas should not be pruned in the fall. Instead, prune them only in May. This will ensure the flower buds that have made it through the winter have emerged. Prune out only dead wood and leave any green buds or leaves.
Is Endless summer hydrangea a panicle hydrangea?
The Endless Summer bloom habit provides flowers from spring through to late summer....This brand of hydrangea is cold hardy and blooms on old and new stem growth.Common NameEndless Summer hydrangeaFamilyHydrangeaceaePlant TypeShrubMature Size3-5 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wideSun ExposurePartial sun8 more rows•Jul 12, 2022
What is the longest blooming hydrangea?
panicle hydrangeasThe blooms of panicle hydrangeas are a mix of frothy, fertile florets and showy, sterile florets. The showy florets, varying in size and quantity by cultivar, provide the long-lasting bloom show, which is enhanced by a metamorphosis from white to varying shades of pink.
How can I tell what type of hydrangea I have?
If the flower buds open a green color, then turn white, and as they age turn green or greenish brown, you have an arborescens type. If the flowers open white and stay white until they get old, then you probably have a macrophylla type. White flowering macrophylla types are less common, but they do exist.
How long does it take for Endless Summer hydrangea to mature?
The “old wood” buds will provide early season color and the blooms forming on current season growth will typically occur roughly six weeks later and last through the end of the season.
How do you winterize Endless Summer hydrangeas?
Stop all applications of fertilizer after August 15th to acclimate the plant for winter. Keep the soil moist through the fall months until the ground is frozen. Cover the plant with a four-inch layer of organic mulch (wood mulch, leaves, etc.). There is no need to cover all stems to the tip or to cut them back.
Why don t My Endless Summer hydrangeas bloom?
There are a few main reasons that you may not see blooms on your hydrangea bushes: sun exposure, over-watering and over-fertilizing. Endless Summer® hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon dappled shade. If they are planted in full sun, it may be too hot and intense for the blooms to produce.
How do I tell what type of hydrangea I have?
If the flower buds open a green color, then turn white, and as they age turn green or greenish brown, you have an arborescens type. If the flowers open white and stay white until they get old, then you probably have a macrophylla type. White flowering macrophylla types are less common, but they do exist.
How many varieties of Endless summer hydrangeas are there?
Six VarietiesSix Varieties, Endless Possibilities Whether it's big, beautiful mophead blooms or silky lacecaps, the Endless Summer® collection offers six unique varieties that continue to raise the bar for reblooming hydrangeas.
Why don t My Endless summer hydrangeas bloom?
There are a few main reasons that you may not see blooms on your hydrangea bushes: sun exposure, over-watering and over-fertilizing. Endless Summer® hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon dappled shade. If they are planted in full sun, it may be too hot and intense for the blooms to produce.
How long does it take for Endless summer hydrangea to mature?
The “old wood” buds will provide early season color and the blooms forming on current season growth will typically occur roughly six weeks later and last through the end of the season.
What color are hydrangeas in summer?
Blue or Pink Blooms. One of the most beautiful traits of an Endless Summer hydrangea is the ability to change the color of the blooms. A simple soil test from your local nursery can help determine your pH level, which will determine your hydrangea macrophylla colors. Other than Blushing Bride, which is a white hydrangea, ...
How long does it take for a Hydrangea to bloom?
Endless Summer hydrangea are known to bloom 10 to 12 weeks longer than average Hydrangea macrophylla plants and show well in colder climates since they are able to bloom on the current season’s new growth. Here are some basic guidelines to follow that will teach you how to grow hydrangeas: Site Selection.
How to change the color of hydrangeas?
One of the most beautiful traits of an Endless Summer hydrangea is the ability to change the color of the blooms. A simple soil test from your local nursery can help determine your pH level, which will determine your hydrangea macrophylla colors. Other than Blushing Bride, which is a white hydrangea, soil with a pH below 6.0 (acidic soil) will produce blue hydrangea blooms and a pH above 6.0 will produce pink hydrangea flowers. Depending on your preference, you are able to change the color of your hydrangea colors to fit your desired color! Endless Summer has a formulated product that changes the color of your blooms. Color Me Pink™ adds garden lime to the soil to raise the pH level and produce pink hydrangea flowers. Color Me Blue™ adds soil sulfur to encourage blue hydrangea bloom development. These products are safe, organic and all-natural. There are also other natural remedies to changing hydrangea colors. To encourage blue blooms in alkaline soils, add aluminum sulfate, composted oak leaves, pine needles or coffee grounds. To encourage pink blooms in acidic soil, add wood ashes, lime or fertilizers with high levels of phosphorus (a ratio of 25-10-10 is best) to prevent aluminum from entering the plant’s system.
Why is my hydrangea not blooming?
Make sure that the crown of the plant – where the base of the stems meets the soil – is even with the ground level. If the hydrangea is placed too high, it can easily dry out. If the crown is placed too low when planting, it can cause hydrangeas not to bloom and potentially rot.
What type of soil do you need for hydrangeas?
The ideal soil type for these plants is loam. If you have a heavy clay soil, add gypsum to the soil to break up the clay and allow for drainage.
Do hydrangeas need pruning?
Endless Summer hydrangea macrophylla require very little pruning day-to-day, so you are able to simply enjoy the beautiful plants. These perennial hydrangeas bloom on growth from the current year as well as previous years, which allows for the re-blooming throughout the summer.
Do you prune hydrangeas in the summer?
If you prune too much, you will be removing potential blooms. If you prune to shape the plant or cut blooms for fresh hydrangea arrangements, be sure not to over-pru ne, or you will have less blooms next year.
What is the color of the endless summer hydrangea?
These beauties are known for their giant flowers, which can range in color from pink to lavender-blue. Endless Summer is also known for its ability to re-bloom throughout the summer, as this variety can flower on both overwintered branches and on freshly grown stems. Endless Summer hydrangeas typically bloom in late spring and then put on a second round of flowers in mid-late summer.
When do hydrangeas bloom?
That said, the overwintering buds may not survive in colder zones, meaning that the late-spring flowering period will not occur and the plant will only flower on new wood in mid-late summer.
What type of soil do hydrangeas need?
Endless Summer Hydrangeas grow best in soil that drains well and has an acidic or neutral pH level. This type of hydrangea does require lots of water, but does not want to be left in stagnant, ponded water. The roots require air just as much as they require water. Look for a sandy loam soil that can hold a nice balance of water and air pockets, leading to soil that is moist but not muddy.
Why is my hydrangea not flowering?
Some common plant diseases like powdery mildew and bud blight can result when your Endless Summer Hydrangea sits too long in a moist environment. Overwatering can also inhibit flowering. Be sure to check that soil is draining out excess water easily (and that no water is ponding on the surface). To avoid fungus and other diseases, it is best to water these plants at the base. Stick your fingers in the soil to test it for moistness. It should feel moist but not water-logged.
What pests can hydrangeas attract?
Endless Summer Hydrangeas can be attractive to pests, including aphids, spider mites, slugs, and Japanese beetles. Fortunately, recognizing them is fairly straightforward. These pests are all possible to conquer if you have the right tools.
Why do hydrangeas have ants?
If you notice ants on the petals of your hydrangea, this is a sign that there may be aphids, as ants are attracted to the residue left behind by aphids. Slugs come out at nighttime and are fairly easy to recognize and remove manually with a flashlight and a pair of rubber gloves. Seeing wisps of webbing underneath the petals of your Endless Summer Hydrangea is one sign of spider mites. Leaves that are ripped and torn might be an indication that beetles are eating your hydrangeas.
What is the most popular hydrangea?
One of these ever-popular types is the original Endless Summer Hydrangea.
How big do summer crush hydrangeas get?
The mature size of the plant depends on the variety. "Summer Crush gets two to three feet tall and wide, where The Original can be six feet tall and wide," says Ryan Mcenaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
When do deciduous shrubs shed their leaves?
Developed by a Minnesota nursery in 2004, the deciduous shrub (meaning it sheds its leaves in the fall before becoming dormant) is a lush ball of pink, blue, or white petals with glossy leaves, and their dark green foliage takes on a burgundy hue in the fall.
What are some good cut flowers for bridal showers?
Hydrangeas are a popular cut flower, too—you just need a few blooms to nicely fill a vase making it a favorite at bridal showers and weddings.
Where is Hydrangea native to?
Native to China and Japan, Hydrangea paniculata...
When do lilies bloom?
Firstly, its unique ability to bloom on both old and new growth, giving it the ability to bloom consistently and provide gorgeous flowers all summer long as flower buds are produced not only in the fall but also in spring and summer.
How big do sage flowers get?
Secondly, it has an excellent winter hardiness, which makes flowering quite reliable, regardless of winter temperature. The flowers grow up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), pink in alkaline soils or blue in acidic soils.
Why do people hate the endless summer hydrangea?
They either love the fact that they can now enjoy hydrangea blooms in their garden for the first time. Or they hate it because this vaunted plant never lived up to its hype.
Who developed Endless Summer?
'Endless Summer' was developed by Minnesota's Bailey Nurseries in collaboration with renowned woody plant guru, Michael Dirr. Walking through Bailey's planting fields, Mike noticed an unusual specimen of Hydrangea macrophylla that bloomed not only on old growth, as most do, ...
Do hydrangeas bloom all summer?
Here was a hydrangea that bloomed all summer long on both old and new growth. That "old and new" factor made a big difference. It meant that even if severe winter cold killed the plant (and its dormant flower buds) to the ground, it could still grow the next year and produce flowers.
I got one
Last year, I finally got one. My first clue that this shrub might not be without faults was Don’s comment that “they are very sensitive to leaf damage from freezing.” And freeze they did, both last year and this year. In my book, it’s a poor kind of hardiness that makes it through the winter, only to be cut down in spring.
Not living up to its claims
On the whole, I find this shrub is not living up to its claims. It is not hardy in the way I think of hardy, and it is not perpetually blooming because it takes so long to get going after dying back from late spring frosts. I bet I don’t see a fully colored blossom until August, just like last year.
How about you?
But what about you? For those of you who have planted this shrub, how is it doing for you? Are there others you like better?
About the Author
Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She would be delighted to speak to your group about colchicums or other gardening topics. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002.
Why are my gardenia leaves turning yellow?
Poor drainage will cause both the leaves to yellow and buds to drop off. Another cause of yellow leaves is soil with a high pH. Too high, and the gardenia isn’t able to take in nutrients including magnesium and iron, resulting in yellow leaves. Buds dropping off can also be caused by low humidity.
Is Endless Summer a hydrangea?
For those with an appreciation for fine outdoor living, no other hydrangea compares to Endless Summer®, the world’s first hydrangea bred to bloom all season long, season after season. No wonder it’s the world’s best-selling hydrangea.
