Hydrangeas are a very popular garden staple due to their lush foliage and long bloom period. They can be very easily grown and vary in size, shape, and color. Like most garden-plants, hydrangeas bloom when they are properly cultivated during their growing seasons, that is, summer and spring.
Fertilizer is a vital tool for their proper growth and makes the flowers look more vibrant, adding to their beauty. Hence it’s very important to have an adequate amount of knowledge about their fertilizers to be able to choose the best fertilizer for hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas’ ability to re-bloom during the seasons and long durability make them an attractive choice to gardeners. Here is a list of fertilizers that can ornament your garden like no other with brighter and healthier foliage.
Our Top 8 Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas
- Scotts Company Garden Pro Water
- Espoma HT18 Holly Tone
- Espoma Organic Soil Fertilizer
- Earth 703P Fertilizer
- Miracle-Gro Plant Fertilizer
- Jobe’s Azalea Fertilizer
- Bonide Hydrangeas Pellets
- J R Peters Fertilizer
Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas – Comparison Table
| Products Names | Fertilizer Analysis | Check Details & Price |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts Company Garden Pro Water (Editor’s Choice) | 30-10-10 | Check Details |
| Espoma HT18 Holly Tone | 4-3-4 | Check Details |
| Espoma Organic Soil Fertilizer | S: 30% | Check Details |
| Earth 703P Fertilizer | 4-5-4 | Check Details |
| Miracle-Gro Plant Fertilizer | 30-30-10 | Check Details |
| Jobe's Azalea Fertilizer | 9-8-7 | Check Details |
| Bonide Hydrangeas Pellets | x-x-x | Check Details |
| J R Peters Fertilizer | 7-3-3 | Check Details |
The 8 Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas Reviews
Hydrangeas do not require a lot of fertilizer; however, it helps the flowers look more vibrant and hence should be fertilized multiple times a year. Let’s move into the in-depth of each product reviews –
1. Scotts Company Garden Pro Water – Best Hydrangeas Fertilizer
Do you want a fertilizer that will not make you wait for ages for its results? Then this fertilizer is the right choice for you. The light package of this plant food contains around 4 pounds. It works well on plants that require acid for growth, such as the hydrangeas, and works instantly after application.
The fertilizer has multiple actions as it affects the plant throughout its root, stem, and leaves. Applying this fertilizer results in a noticeable improvement in their blooms. Alongside this, it helps develop stronger and longer roots. It stimulates their growth to like that of weeds.
Users of this fertilizer must follow the instructions as doing otherwise might deteriorate the growth of the plant instead. The mixture can be applied using a watering can or a garden feeder. Being a water-soluble fertilizer, it is very convenient to apply in the soil and does not cause any unnecessary mess.
It can be applied to acidophilic plants like azalea, camellia, gardenia, hibiscus, holly, hydrangea, and orchids and has to be fed once every 2 weeks. For instant, healthy, glowing verdure, there is no better fertilizer in the market.
Pros
- Makes acidophilic plants strive
- Water-soluble
- Gives lush foliage and beautiful blooms
- Works instantly after application
- Helps promote growth
- Good user review
Cons
- Has to be applied every 2 weeks
- Not very effective for plants that grow best in soil with high pH
- Does not work in alkaline soil
2. Espoma HT18 Holly Tone – Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas Plants
If you do not prefer to use chemicals on your plants and are looking for organic fertilizer, then this one is the right choice for you. It is recommended by professionals and is a gardeners’ favorite. This makes the fertilizer a very reliable choice.
The Holly Tone fertilizers of Espoma brand are found in packages weighing 18-pounds. It’s well known as a really great organic fertilizer and is specially produced to be effective for plants like hydrangeas, blueberries, strawberries, azaleas, evergreens, and many other aciduric plants.
Since it’s 100% natural, it’s a very wise choice for organic gardens. This makes this fertilizer stand up among the rests. Its Bio-Tone Microbes is extremely beneficial to the plants and is exclusive to this brand, which means that there are no other brands with this special feature.
It is also available in sizes of 36 pounds and 50 pounds for those who have a large garden with many hydrangeas or other acidophilic plants or do not want to buy fertilizers frequently.
Using this fertilizer results in plants looking much healthier and fuller. The absence of chemicals in it makes it a very safe choice since aciduric plants can often be very sensitive.
Pros
- Has exclusive Bio-Tone formula
- Recommended by professionals
- Fully organic
- Works well on plants that love an acidic environment
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Does not work effectively for plants that grow better in alkaline soil
3. Espoma Organic Soil Fertilizer – Best Organic Fertilizer For Hydrangeas
If you are aiming to grow blue hydrangeas, and also lower the pH of your soil with an organic fertilizer in the meantime, then this is the right choice for you.
The 13.6kg bag that the Acidifier Fertilizer comes in is more than most fertilizers in the market. This helps the user fertilize a huge number of hydrangea plants and other acidophilic plants that grow on low pH soil with just one packet.
Furthermore, this fertilizer is a soil acidifier which is specially designed to create an acidic environment by lowering the pH level of the soil to an optimum condition for plantation. It is a well-approved choice for those who do not intend to put chemicals in their soil. Therefore, this fertilizer is very risk-free too.
The specialty of this fertilizer lies in its ability to turn hydrangeas blue. It makes the flowers bloom blue without any need for additional dyes or chemicals. This makes this fertilizer very popular among gardeners who like their garden blue.
Furthermore, this fertilizer is especially recommended to be applied to hydrangeas and blueberries. It is pelletized, which makes it easier to be applied.
Since this is an organic fertilizer, it’s free from chemicals like aluminum sulfate, which can be damaging to many plants. This makes this fertilizer a wise choice to use for such plants.
Lack of sulfur ingredients makes this fertilizer very slow-acting. Again, the users should follow the manufacturer’s directions in order to avoid damaging their plants by excessive usage. Users are recommended to apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the year as it takes a long time to show its results.
Pros
- Makes hydrangeas bloom blue
- Approved for organic gardening
- Aluminum sulfate free
- Works on hydrangeas and blueberry plants
- Helps make plants bloom better with more foliage
Cons
- Slow-acting
- Does not work effectively for plants that grow better in alkaline soil
4. Earth 703P Fertilizer – Best Organic Fertilizer For Hydrangeas Bushes
If you are a pet owner and want a fertilizer that keeps you and your pet safe, this is the most recommended fertilizer for you. This Organic Acid Fertilizer belongs to the brand Dr. Earth and is stacked in a polybag of around four-pound weight.
This organic fertilizer is chemical-free, is 100% natural and safe to use. The mixture of beneficial soil microbes and probiotics that the fertilizer contains works as a healthy food for your plants.
The fertilizer is enriched in clean cottonseed meal, Alaskan fish bone meal, valley-grown alfalfa meal, high country feather meal, naturally mined potassium sulfate, Norwegian cold water, kelp meal, concentrated seaweed extract. It is beneficial for soil microbes, plus Mycorrhizae feeds your plant continuously for months.
Lowering the soil pH level is its fundamental job. It stimulates the growth of aciduric plants like hydrangeas and gives them superior buds and blooms. The results are exceptional since quickly released nutrients jump into action rapidly and feed for several months.
Drought tolerance is increased and nutrient availability is enhanced through eight different mycorrhizae. Hence the performance is magnified a great deal. It is effective for many acidophilic plants, including camellia, ferns, hydrangeas, maple, evergreens, gardenias, shade plants, hollies, blueberries, and azaleas.
Pros
- Safe for pets and people
- Organic
- Effective on acidophilic plants
- Enriched with all necessary nutrients
- Usable for a long period of time
Cons
- Not suitable for plants that require alkaline soil
5. Miracle-Gro Plant Fertilizer – Best Type of Fertilizer For Hydrangeas
If you’ve been wondering what to feed your malnourished hydrangeas, look no further. Formerly known as Miracid, this product is available in handy 1.5, 3 and 4 lbs packs depending on your needs and comes from the company Miracle-Gro.
This fertilizer is specifically made for plants that love to feed on acid like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Dogwoods, Magnolias, Gardenias, and Orchids. It’s biggest selling feature is that they feed plants instantly.
The 1.5 lbs pack feeds approximately 600 sq. Ft. and ironizes and acidifies the plants. This basically means the roots and root systems of your garden will flourish; meanwhile, the development of the blossoms will be helped massively.
Given that the soil of your garden or your living area has a high pH count, this fertilizer will quickly and efficiently lower the pH count, and you will see results within only a couple weeks.
While this is best used with the Miracle-Gro Garden feeder, which is sold separately, you can use any regular watering can for similar results.
For indoor plants, mix half teaspoon of Plant Food with every gallon of water; however, if you are using it on your outdoor garden, per gallon of water should have one tablespoon of Plant Food.
Be cautious, because an unmeasured amount could easily burn your plants or leave them malnourished. It is up to you to decide which is worse.
Pros
- Helpful for all the mentioned plants and more
- Easy application
- Provides good value for money
- Near perfect user review
- Instant results
Cons
- Can not be used with other fertilizers
- Confusing product names for new buyers
6. Jobe’s Azalea – Best Slow Release Fertilizer For Hydrangeas
Are you worried about your high pH count soil leaving your aciduric plants wanting more, but putting the extra effort into going through the rigorous process of mixing and applying some fertilizers available in the market scares you? Jobe’s claims you can have your cake and eat it too with these fertilizer spikes, and quite rightly so.
Available in a pack of 10 spikes, they come pre-measured and provide a continuous supply of nourishment for plants that feed off acid-like Camellia, Rhododendron, Azalea. The spikes help the active roots the most, making them grow faster. After they are applied, they provide the plants with nutrients for up to eight weeks.
Each three-inch-long spike comes with all the fertilizers neatly packed inside. Recommended time for application is right after the blooms shed, usually in early summer or late spring.
The endorsed number of spikes for each plant is provided in a chart with the packaging of the product. Closely following the said chart is important.
While using your tool of choice, the spikes need to be driven one inch under the surface. Even spacing around the plant and the spikes being directly below the longest branches should be ensured. Do these properly, and you can rest assured until the next season.
Ease of use is easily the highlight of this product. You do not need to worry about creating a mess, the fertilizer will not run off with water, and there will not be any nasty smell.
The slow time release nature of these spikes will keep providing everything your hydrangeas and acidophilic plants need, so you might need to wait for a couple of weeks before you can actually experience a visible difference.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Amount of waste is at a bare minimum
- Only one application each season is necessary
- Nourishes plants from the root level
- Very good user review
Cons
- Can not be bought in bulk
- Measurements around the roots and spikes can be a bit tricky
7. Bonide Hydrangeas Pellets – Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas Blue
A shade of pink that’s too pale on your pink hydrangeas is enough to make the most cheerful of us sad.
Fortunately, Bailey Nurseries and Bonide have worked together to bring you a product to increase the pH count of your soil so you can produce those vivid and gorgeous pink hydrangeas. A 2.75 lbs jar stacked with fertilizer and a very helpful applicator scoop comes together while purchasing this product.
This product uses pelletized lime as the main ingredient. For beautiful pink, the pH range of your soil must be around 6.5-7.0. And lime being an alkaline substance, it will raise the more acidic soil of your garden to the perfect pH count.
However, a common complaint about this product was that it could not turn white hydrangeas to pink. But it was not designed to do so in the first place.
Definitely get a soil check before using this product. If your soil is already very alkalic, this will only make your precious plants suffer. However, if not, you are ready to go. Nothing needs to be mixed in.
Use the included scoop to measure according to the instructions and disperse it on the root level of the plant. Do not forget to apply enough water so that the pellets can be activated.
However, it is important to note that this product is not a fertilizer substitute. It only increases the pH count of your soil so that the flowers can be bright pink. Only use this in addition to your other fertilizers. According to most users, it works on very acidic soils too. This will keep your garden soil sweet and your hydrangeas pink.
Pros
- Gives you vivid pink bloom
- Easy to apply no mixing required
- Works on very acidic soil too
- Everything needed to use is provided with the product
- Can be used with regular fertilizers
Cons
- Not a fertilizer — only an additive
- Can make plants suffer in already alkali soil
8. J R Peters Fertilizer – Best Fertilizer For Limelight Hydrangea
Blue might be the color of sadness, but you know what’s blue and makes you happy? Blue Hydrangeas. And if your happiness needs a bit of help, J R Peters has the product for you.
Their Hydrangea Fertilizer comes in a 1.5 lb bucket and promises to nourish your plants and turn them bright blue. The fertilizer also has various micronutrients to keep your plants healthy. A measuring spoon is included.
Though they don’t have any effects on white hydrangeas, the aluminum sulfate and other chemicals ensure you have full and healthy leaves and, more importantly, big bright blue bloom.
It will also turn your pink hydrangeas into blue ones. The fertilizer is water-soluble, and if applied properly, you will notice a significant difference in your plants within a few weeks.
After planting, mix one tablespoon of solution per gallon of water and keep applying every fourteen days for the first month. During the growing season, apply once per month. Early morning or late evening application is recommended.
Application during the heat of the day is to be strictly avoided. This formula must not touch the leaves as damage might occur.
This product is manufactured in the USA and goes through a very intense quality control phase. Unlike some other products, this doesn’t only make the hydrangeas blue.
Furthermore, The other micronutrients in this solution will fertilize your plant to keep the entire plant flourishing. The application might not be as straight forward, but the results make it worth the investment.
Pros
- Makes your hydrangeas blue and nourishes the leaves too
- Not only an additive
- Amazing quality control
- Great packaging
- Happy customers all around
Cons
- Lengthy application process
- Needs to be used regularly
Things To Consider Before Buying Fertilizer For Hydrangeas
The right type of soil, proper environment and care, and on-time fertilizing can change the look of your garden in a very short period of time. While being in your budget, if you pay attention to the following points, you will have enchanting looking flowers in no time.
Soil Condition
Luxuriant foliage depends a great deal on the condition of the soil it is growing on. Hydrangeas are specially grown on lighter soil for easier drainage.
Therefore, if the soil of your garden is more of a clay textured, you should add compost to increase the nutrients and lighten the texture. Your fertilizer must complement your soil type.
PH Level
The required pH level for different breeds of hydrangeas and other plants are different. It is of utmost necessity that the pH level of the soil is balanced according to the need of the plants.
You should pick your fertilizer considering how much acidic environment your plant loves. Most fertilizers do not do well in alkaline soil. This should be kept in check as well.
Breed of Hydrangeas
Not all species require the same type of food. Hydrangea species are no different either. Their fertilizer type and application requirement vary from type to type. Therefore, you must pick a fertilizer packed with all the necessary nutrients for the particular plant you are growing in your garden.
Easy Application and Affordability
A lot of gardeners look for fertilizers that are easy to use. For example, spiked fertilizers are comparatively easier to use, unlike water-soluble ones since they require mixing prior to the application.
Also, you should definitely pick a fertilizer that is financially up your alley because it is a regular necessity, and you have to keep on using it.
How to Fertilize Hydrangeas?
When and how much you will use the fertilizers on your plants solely depends on the structure and nutritional values of the fertilizers. Usually, there are three types of fertilizers, the liquid ones, the pellets, and the pre-measured spikes.
It is a must to read the instruction manual before using the fertilizer since overdoing, in this case, is pretty common. Burning roots and scorching leaves are seen all the time because of excessive or wrong use of fertilizers. Now, according to the structure of your fertilizer, you may need to use different methods of application.
- Liquid Fertilizers
With a liquid fertilizer comes the question of a sprayer. Liquid fertilizers are pretty easy and handy to use as long as you have the right sprayer for it.
Some company provides customized sprayers for their fertilizers for effective and convenient user experience. If you do not want to spend that extra bucks, you can always use a regular watering can.
Some liquid fertilizers can be sprayed directly over the plants with no prior preparation. However, some plant foods need to be mixed with tap water or some other kind of base before application. There is no alternative to reading the manufacturer’s instructions in this case.
Whether to spray the fertilizer directly on plants or only on the roots is another thing that should be kept in mind. Again, the instructions should come with the packaging.
- Solid Fertilizers
Pellets are a bit more complicated to use. These granule-shaped fertilizers are to be sprinkled on top of the plants according to the manufacturer’s direction. Sometimes, a special scoop comes with the package, which makes the overall application much easier.
Usually, you need to put a layer of soil over the granules to help them function to its full potential. Some fertilizers also require an additional layer of water over the soil. Package instructions should be followed in this case as well.
- Pre-Measured Spikes
These are by far the most convenient and easiest-to-use fertilizers. A number of spikes come in a package. All you need to do is to separate a spike, hammer it into the ground and let the plants sip the nutrients into their roots. A number of spikes grounded into the soil will depend on the plants’ diameters.
Watering the soil is necessary after embedding the spikes into the ground. An inch deep grounded spikes are the ideal measurements for this fertilizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Fertilizers is Best For Bigger Blooms?
Granular, slow-release fertilizers are the best for bigger blooms. Also, fertilizers with a relatively higher concentration of phosphorus work well in this case.
How Do I Change The Color of the Hydrangea Flowers?
The pH level of the soil determines the color of the hydrangeas. Blue hydrangeas are offsprings of acidic soil, whereas alkaline soil encourages the growth of pink hydrangeas.
Therefore, if you want pink flowers, you should use a fertilizer that works well with alkaline soil. On the other hand, fertilizers enriched with sulfur lowers the pH level resulting in blue flowers.
How Frequently Should I Fertilize The Plants?
Not over-fertilizing is like a rule of thumb when it comes to hydrangea plants. Package instructions must be followed in case of all fertilizers. Usually, granular fertilizers should be used once a year, in spring or early summer. Over-doing will cause the roots to burn and eventually damage the entire plant.
Conclusion
Appropriate application of an adequate amount of fertilizer is a big game-changer when it comes to bright, colorful, big hydrangea flowers. Generally, hydrangeas are pretty low-maintenance garden ornaments. Smearing fertilizers once in a year is not that difficult of a job, either.
Now it is your turn to pick the suitable one from the best fertilizers for hydrangeas and give your garden the elegant appearance that it deserves.
