Overview

Bloomstruck Bigleaf Hydrangea is a captivating cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla, celebrated for its prolific blooms, vibrant colors, and sturdy growth. Introduced as an improved version of the popular “Endless Summer” hydrangea, Bloomstruck lives up to its name by providing a continuous display of stunning flowers throughout the growing season. With its mophead flower clusters, striking color changes, and sturdy growth, this hydrangea variety adds a touch of elegance and charm to garden landscapes.

Description

Bloomstruck Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub known for its large, mophead flower clusters that emerge in abundance from early Summer to Fall. The individual flowers within the clusters exhibit a unique color progression, starting with a vibrant shade of pink or blue, depending on the soil pH, and gradually transitioning to a deep, intense hue as they mature. The robust and upright growth habit of Bloomstruck contributes to its strong presence in the garden, making it an excellent choice for both focal points and background plantings.

Foliage

BloomStruck Hydrangea features large, glossy green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its eye-catching flower clusters. The foliage is broadly ovate and serrated, contributing to the overall appeal of the plant.

Flowers

The most distinctive feature of BloomStruck is its mophead flower clusters, which can vary in color from shades of pink and purple to blue, depending on the soil pH. The blooms undergo color changes throughout the season, adding dynamic visual interest to the garden.

Size

This hydrangea variety typically reaches a height and width of 3 to 4 feet, forming a compact and well-shaped shrub suitable for various garden settings.

Growing Conditions

Soil pH

BloomStruck Hydrangea is versatile regarding soil pH. The flower color can be influenced by the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. Acidic soils result in blue flowers, while alkaline soils produce pink flowers. A pH range of 5.2 to 6.2 is considered ideal for achieving blue blooms. Regular monitoring and adjustments of soil pH contribute to controlling the flower color.

Sun Requirements

These hydrangeas perform best in partial shade to full sun conditions. Morning sun with afternoon shade is often recommended, especially in regions with hot and intense sunlight. Providing some protection from the harsh afternoon sun helps maintain the quality of the blooms and prevents wilting.

Watering

Proper watering is crucial for the health and vitality of Bloomstruck Hydrangea. These hydrangeas prefer consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged. Regular watering, especially during dry periods or hot weather, is essential to support healthy growth and prolific blooming. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. While Bloomstruck can tolerate short periods of drought, maintaining a consistent watering schedule ensures optimal performance.

Hardiness Zones

BloomStruck Hydrangea is well-suited for planting in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. This broad range of zones makes it adaptable to various climates, from colder northern regions to milder southern landscapes. The plant’s ability to withstand a range of temperatures enhances its versatility and makes it a reliable choice for gardeners across different geographic areas. In colder zones, providing Winter protection, such as applying a layer of mulch, can help insulate the roots and protect the plant from freezing temperatures.

Best Planting Time

The optimal time for planting BloomStruck Hydrangeas is in the Spring or Fall when temperatures are moderate. Planting during these seasons allows the shrub to establish a strong root system before facing more extreme weather conditions.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure the continued health and vibrant blooms of your BloomStruck Hydrangea, consider the following maintenance tips.

Pruning

Pruning is generally recommended in late Winter or early Spring. BloomStruck Hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so pruning should be done after flowering to avoid removing potential blooms. Remove dead or weak wood and shape the plant as needed.

Fertilization

Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in Spring supports overall growth and flowering. It’s essential not to over-fertilize, as bigleaf hydrangeas are not heavy feeders. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application rates.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of the plant with organic materials like shredded bark or compost. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

Soil Amendments for Color Control

To control the flower color, especially for achieving or maintaining blue blooms, gardeners can amend the soil with aluminum sulfate. This helps lower the soil pH and intensify the blue coloration.

Winter Protection

In colder climates, providing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps insulate the roots and protect them from Winter frost. Covering the plant with burlap during extreme cold snaps can prevent Winter damage.

Landscaping Uses

BloomStruck Hydrangeas offer versatility in landscaping designs. Here are some popular uses in garden settings.

Mixed Borders

Combining BloomStruck Hydrangeas with other shrubs, perennials, and flowering plants adds visual interest and dynamic contrast to mixed borders.

Foundation Planting

Planted near foundations or in front of taller shrubs or trees, BloomStruck Hydrangea provides a colorful and eye-catching backdrop.

Container Gardening

Due to its compact size and robust flowering, Bloomstruck is suitable for container gardening. Suitable for large containers, these hydrangeas can be grown on patios or decks, allowing for mobility and flexibility in garden design and providing an opportunity to enjoy their beauty up close.

Cut Flower Gardens

The large, colorful blooms make BloomStruck Hydrangeas an excellent choice for cut-flower gardens, providing fresh or dried flowers for floral arrangements.

Accent Plant

Use Bloomstruck as an accent plant to draw attention to specific areas of the garden. Whether as a solitary specimen or in groupings, its vibrant blooms become a focal point in the landscape.

Mass Planting

With its continuous blooming habit and sturdy growth, Bloomstruck can be used for mass planting to create a stunning visual impact. Planting it in groups enhances its presence and creates a sea of vibrant blooms.

Informal Hedges

Planting multiple BloomStruck Hydrangeas in a row creates an attractive and informal hedge, adding privacy and a burst of color.

 
BloomStruck Bigleaf Hydrangea, with its captivating blooms and adaptability, stands as a stunning addition to gardens across a range of climates. Its vibrant flowers and glossy foliage make it a popular choice among gardeners seeking a plant that combines beauty with relative ease of care. By understanding its specific soil, sun, and watering requirements, gardeners can enjoy the striking beauty of BloomStruck Hydrangea and create a vibrant landscape centerpiece.