Hydrangea Vine
April 2012
I planted a climbing hydrangea about 5 years ago and it has never bloomed. It is a
beautiful green plant again this year, but no sign of a budding bloom. It is planted
in the shade as are my other types of hydrangeas. Could you give me any advice to
make it bloom?
Climbing hydrangeas take their sweet time before they start blooming, so be patient.
I used to say on average 5-7 years before the first blooms. I bought one with blooms
on it so I could say I beat the average—it didn't bloom again for several years. Once
they do begin to bloom after they are planted, they should do so every year, and they
are well worth the wait. Ignore them for another year or so, and hopefully they will
give you a show.
March 2010
I have two climbing hydrangeas on my fence. They have developed beautifully, but they
have yet to bloom. This will be the third summer for them. What can I do to get them
to bloom?
Unfortunately the key is patience. Climbing hydrangeas can take their time getting
established and even longer to begin blooming, but the wait is worth the effort. Once
they begin to bloom (anywhere from 3-7 years) they do so annually. Continue to water
and fertilize and enjoy the foliage for now and hopefully you will be rewarded with
blooms either this year or next.