All About The Endless Summer Hydrangea

 

This brightly colored Hydrangea changed the way many gardeners think about Bigleaf Hydrangeas. Endless Summer® ‘The Original’ became especially popular because of its ability to bloom on both old wood and new growth, giving it the potential to rebloom throughout the growing season.

That reblooming habit is particularly helpful when late freezes damage some of the flower buds that formed on the previous year’s stems. New growth can still produce additional flowers later in the season.

 
 

The Endless Summer® Family

 

The original Hydrangea was followed by an entire collection of reblooming Hydrangeas with different flower forms, colors, and mature sizes.

 

The Original®

The Original® produces the classic, large mophead flowers associated with Bigleaf Hydrangeas. Flower color can range from pink to blue depending largely on the availability of aluminum in the soil, which is influenced by soil pH.

It develops into a rounded shrub approximately 3–5 feet tall and wide, although mature size can vary with growing conditions.

 

 
 

Twist-n-Shout®

Twist-n-Shout® brings the reblooming habit to a beautiful lacecap-style Hydrangea. Flowers may appear in shades of pink or blue depending on soil chemistry, while reddish stems add another layer of color and interest.

It generally grows approximately 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions.

 

 
 

BloomStruck®

BloomStruck® produces colorful mophead flowers ranging from pink and rose to shades of purple or blue depending on soil chemistry. Reddish-purple stems and colorful leaf veins add interest even beyond the flowers.

Expect a mature size of approximately 3–4 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide, although actual size will vary with growing conditions.

 

 
 

Blushing Bride®

Blushing Bride® produces elegant, light-colored mophead flowers that begin white and may develop soft pink or blue tones as they mature depending on growing conditions and soil chemistry.

It can mature to approximately 3–6 feet tall and wide, making it a beautiful choice where you want a larger flowering shrub.

 

 
 

Summer Crush®

Summer Crush® packs BIG color into a smaller plant! Its vivid flowers can range from raspberry-red and pink to rich purple or blue-purple depending on soil chemistry.

Its compact habit—generally around 18″–36″ tall and wide—makes it especially useful in smaller landscapes and containers.

 

 
 

Where Should You Plant Endless Summer® Hydrangeas?

 

In East Texas, these Bigleaf Hydrangeas generally perform best with morning sun and protection from our intense afternoon sun. Bright filtered light or partial shade can also work well.

Choose a location with rich, well-drained soil that can retain adequate moisture without remaining waterlogged. A 2″–3″ layer of mulch over the root zone can help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures, but keep mulch away from the stems.

 
 

Keep an Eye on Water

 

Hydrangeas need consistent moisture, especially while becoming established and during hot East Texas summers. However, don’t automatically water every day simply because temperatures reach 90°F.

Check the soil and root ball regularly and water deeply when needed. The frequency will depend on temperature, rainfall, sunlight, soil, drainage, and whether the Hydrangea is growing in the ground or in a container.

Container-grown Hydrangeas can dry considerably faster than those planted in the landscape and may need much more frequent attention during hot weather.

 
 

Be Careful When Pruning!

 

Because Endless Summer® Hydrangeas can flower on both old and new wood, avoid unnecessary heavy pruning. Keeping healthy old stems gives the plant the opportunity to produce its earlier flowers, while new growth can provide additional blooms later.

Don’t assume a bare stem is dead during winter or early spring. Give the plant time to begin growing before deciding which stems truly need to be removed.

 
 

Beautiful Color Throughout the Growing Season

 

With their reblooming habit, beautiful foliage, and range of flower colors and sizes, Endless Summer® Hydrangeas can be a gorgeous addition to an East Texas landscape.

Give them protection from harsh afternoon sun, good drainage, consistent moisture, and careful pruning, and they’ll reward you with a beautiful show!