How to Grow Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea
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Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bloomstruck'
shrubEndless Summer Bloomstruck is a re-blooming bigleaf hydrangea cultivar that produces abundant pink or blue flowers depending on soil pH, flowering from early summer through fall. This deciduous shrub grows 4-5 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, foundations, and containers. Unlike traditional hydrangeas, it blooms on both old and new wood, ensuring continuous flowers even if late frosts damage spring growth.
When should you plant Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea in your zone?
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Example Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, hardy to zone 4b with winter protection
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Get my Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (First Year)
3-4 months after plantingYoung shrub focuses on root development with modest leaf growth and few or no flowers.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid heavy pruning. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Early Growth & First Blooms (Year 2)
4-6 monthsPlant grows vigorously and produces first substantial flower clusters, though flowering may be sporadic.
Continue consistent watering and mulching. Apply balanced hydrangea fertilizer in spring. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Light pruning to shape is acceptable.
Vegetative Growth (Spring-Early Summer)
March-June (varies by zone)Leaves emerge and expand rapidly; new stems develop. Initial flower buds form on new growth.
Water deeply and consistently. Apply fertilizer high in phosphorus (middle number) to encourage flowering. Monitor for pests and diseases. Avoid heavy pruning after June.
Primary Flowering (Summer-Fall)
June-OctoberLarge mophead or lacecap flowers bloom profusely in pink, blue, or purple depending on soil pH. Flowers may change color as they age.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to trigger reblooming. Continue watering during dry periods. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which reduce blooms. Watch for spider mites in heat.
Dormancy (Winter)
November-MarchLeaves turn yellow-red before dropping. Stems harden off and prepare for winter. Dried flower heads persist on branches.
Reduce watering but don't allow soil to dry completely. In zone 4b, apply 4-6 inches of mulch to protect buds. Leave dried flowers on plant for winter interest and frost protection. Prune dead wood in early spring after last frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting foliage early morning; spray with water to dislodge mites; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning and drop into soapy water; use neem oil spray; avoid pheromone traps near plants
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove affected leaves
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Remove and discard infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide; ensure good drainage
Uses
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdBloomstruck produces abundant, long-stemmed flowers perfect for fresh arrangements that last 1-2 weeks in water. The color-changing properties of mophead flowers make them unique design elements. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftFlowers dry naturally on the plant or can be harvested and hung upside down. Dried hydrangea flowers are prized for wreaths, dried arrangements, and craft projects. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe lacecap and mophead flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the extended blooming season. [source]
Landscape design and curb appeal
HouseholdBloomstruck's compact size, extended blooming season, and color flexibility make it excellent for foundation plantings, mixed borders, container gardening, and specimen features. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHydrangea root has been used in traditional herbalism, though modern clinical evidence is limited. Always consult healthcare providers before medicinal use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hydrangeas are ornamental shrubs grown for flowers rather than harvested for food. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when stems are hydrated. Cut stems at 45-degree angles and immediately place in water with flower food. Rebloom hydrangeas will produce new flowers within 2-3 weeks of deadheading, so remove spent flower clusters regularly throughout the season for continuous blooms. Dried flowers can be harvested in fall for dried arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Endless Summer Bloomstruck is a patented cultivar (Plant Patent 16,008) developed to rebloom on new growth, solving the problem of traditional hydrangeas losing flowers to late spring frosts in cold climates.
- 🌱 The color of blooms is determined by soil pH and available aluminum: acidic soils (pH below 6.0) produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils (pH above 7.0) produce pink flowers, with purple flowers appearing at neutral pH around 6.5.
- 🌱 Unlike bigleaf hydrangeas that bloom only on old wood, Bloomstruck flowers on both old and new wood, making it extremely forgiving and capable of producing flowers even if winter damage occurs, justifying its 'Endless Summer' name.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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