what do hydrangeas look like before they bloom

What Do Hydrangeas Look Like Before They Bloom?

Hydrangeas are a popular garden shrub known for their large, colorful blooms that brighten up the landscape. But before those showy blossoms emerge, there are some signs to look for that indicate your hydrangeas are getting ready to flower.

Flower Buds

The most obvious indicator that blooms are coming is the appearance of swelling flower buds along the stems and branches. On old wood varieties like bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas, these plump, gray-green buds form in late summer or fall before the plant flowers. They remain dormant through winter, then begin growing and expanding as temperatures warm in spring.

On hydrangeas with new wood, like panicle and smooth, flower buds show up on the new shoots that come up in the spring. They are scattered along the fresh, green stems.

As the buds enlarge over several weeks, they take on a broccoli-like appearance before opening into flowers. Old wood hydrangeas bloom in spring and early summer while new wood varieties flower in summer and fall.

Leaf Growth

In tandem with the swelling buds, you’ll notice the leaves rapidly unfurling and expanding. Bright green foliage emerges from the tips of stems on old wood hydrangeas in early spring. New wood hydrangeas grow fresh leaves along the new stems that develop later in spring.

The expanding, vibrant foliage provides energy to support the pending blooms. Leaves reach their full size right before or as the flowers open. Lush leaves encourage larger, prolific blooms.

Changing Stem Flexibility

On old wood hydrangeas, the mature, woody stems that will bear the flowers become more pliable and flexible briefly before bloom time. The increased flexibility signals the aging branches are reviving in preparation for flowers. After bloom time, the stems will toughen up again.

When spring comes, new wood varieties’ young, green stems are naturally soft and bendy when they first come out. While the flowers are still closed in the summer, they stay that way.

Foliage Color Changes

Some hydrangea varieties temporarily change foliage color as the buds develop. Oakleaf and bigleaf hydrangeas may turn bronze, red, or purple during bud stage. This is caused by pigments that help protect the sensitive new growth. Once mature, the leaves turn back to green.

Expected Bloom Times

Knowing the normal bloom periods for different hydrangea types can provide clues about when those swelling buds will open into flowers:

• Bigleaf: June to July
• Oakleaf: May to July
• Climbing: June to July
• Panicle: June to September
• Smooth: June to September
• Mountain: May to August

By paying attention to these signs – plump buds, leaf growth, stem flexibility, and temporary foliage color changes – you can anticipate when your beloved hydrangeas will burst into their spectacular blooms. Proper care when they are preparing to flower will maximize their floral display.