Sunlight

Provide your Nikko Blue Hydrangea with morning sun and afternoon shade. Dappled light helps prevent blooms from wilting in hot climates.

Soil

Maintain acidic soil (pH between 5.2 and 5.5) for optimal blue blooms. Apply aluminum sulfate or acidic mulch like pine needles if needed.

Watering

Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first year. Aim for consistent moisture but avoid waterlogged soil. Adjust watering based on climate and rainfall.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas in early spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Pruning

Prune lightly in late May to remove dead or damaged canes. Avoid cutting into new growth that will produce this year’s blooms.

Winter Care

In cold climates, mulch around the base of the plant with a layer of organic material to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

When It Arrives

Give your newly arrived Nikko Blue Hydrangea a deep soak upon planting. Water thoroughly until the water runs freely from the drainage holes. This helps settle the soil around the roots and ensures proper hydration.

During the First Year

During the first growing season, water your Blue Hydrangea regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim to water deeply 2-3 times a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Monitor the leaves – wilting leaves indicate your hydrangea needs water.

After the First Year

Established Blue Hydrangeas are more drought tolerant but still appreciate consistent moisture. Water deeply 1-2 times a week, depending on your climate and rainfall. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

When It Arrives

Your newly arrived Blue Hydrangea may not need immediate fertilization as it likely received nutrients from the grower. You can wait until spring of the following year to begin feeding.

During the First Year

In the spring of the first year, apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas. Follow the package instructions for application rates and frequency. Opt for a fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus content (middle number) to encourage flower development.

After the First Year

Established Nikko Blue Hydrangeas can be fertilized once a year in early spring. You can continue using a balanced fertilizer or switch to one with a lower phosphorus content to maintain healthy foliage without overly stimulating flower production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms.

Tools You’ll Need

Use sharp bypass pruners or lopping shears for thicker branches, pruning gloves for safety and a disinfectant (rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution.

Pruning Steps

The best time to prune Blue Hydrangeas is in late May or early June, after the danger of frost has passed and new growth has emerged.

Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also prune away weak or spindly growth to improve overall plant shape.

Locate the large, plump buds at the tips of stems – these will produce this year’s blooms. Avoid cutting into these stems.

To encourage bushier growth and larger blooms, you can shorten healthy stems by about one-third of their length. Make clean cuts just above a bud facing outwards.

After Pruning Care

Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Water your Nikko Blue Hydrangea deeply after pruning to help it recover from the process. Avoid any harsh pruning during the rest of the growing season, as this can remove potential flower buds for the following year.

What color will my Nikko Blue Hydrangea flowers be?

The bloom color of your Blue Hydrangea actually depends on your soil’s pH level. In acidic soil (pH between 5.2 and 5.5), the flowers will tend to be blue. In more alkaline soil, they may bloom pink or purple.

How can I make my Blue Hydrangea flowers more blue?

To encourage blue blooms, test your soil’s pH and adjust it if necessary. You can add aluminum sulfate or acidic mulch like pine needles to lower the pH and promote bluer flowers.

My hydrangea isn’t blooming. What’s wrong?

There are a few reasons why your Blue Hydrangea might not be flowering. It could be due to improper pruning (cutting off flower buds), cold winter temperatures damaging the buds, or insufficient sunlight.

Do Nikko Blue Hydrangeas need a lot of sun?

Blue Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the blooms, especially in hot climates.

How often should I water my Blue Hydrangea?

Water your Blue Hydrangea regularly, especially during the first year. Aim for consistent moisture but avoid soggy soil. Water deeply 2-3 times a week during hot weather, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Is the Nikko Blue Hydrangea easy to care for?

Yes, Blue Hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance shrubs. They thrive with minimal care once established. Just provide them with the right amount of water, sunlight, and occasional pruning.

Are Blue Hydrangeas poisonous?

Yes, all parts of the Blue Hydrangea plant are poisonous if ingested. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.