20 Best Fertilizer For Hydrangeas & How To Use-(2021 Guide & Reviews)

Overview

Hydrangeas are popular shrubs with colorful flowers that bloom throughout summer and into fall. They usually bloom in shades of blue, purple and pink with some sections in white, green or red. Most hydrangea bushes are easy to grow in Zones 3-4 and prefer partial shade. All varieties of hydrangeas require fertilizer application for them to grow vibrantly with beautiful blooms. Typically, the best type of fertilizer to use on hydrangea depends on the variety being grown, the budget and goals of the gardener.

Generally, slow-release fertilizers are the best to choice to use on hydrangeas because the fertilizer gradually releases nutrients to plants, reducing the potential for fertilizer burn. Slow-release fertilizer formulas are widely available in stores. The ideal slow-release fertilizer for hydrangeas could be a general formula designed for trees and shrubs. This article provides some of the best, tried and tested fertilizers formulas for hydrangeas. Choose any of them and you will never regret. Most of these formulas need to be applied only once, usually in early spring. Follow manufacturer instructions about dosage and frequency of application.

Fertilizer For Hydrangeas

1. Scotts Company 185001 Garden Pro Water Soluble Miracid Loving Plant Food

This water-soluble fertilizer is a product of Miracle GRO brand. It is a fast-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants like Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias, Hibiscus, Holly, Hydrangeas, Orchids and many others. When applied to the hydrangeas as per the specification, it promotes quick, beautiful blooms and strong root development. This product is also safe as it will not cause burns to the Hydrangeas. For effective results, you will need to apply the fertilizer once a week or every two weeks by use of a sprayer or watering can.

Overview

  • For acid-loving plants like Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias, Hibiscus, Holly, Hydrangeas, Orchids and many others.
  • Helps promote vibrant color and beautiful blooms
  • Safe for all plants- Guaranteed not to burn when used as per prescription
  • Begins to work almost instantly
  • Promote quick and strong root development.

2. Espoma HT18 Holly Tone

Holly-tone plant food is for acid-loving plants, such as hollies, azaleas, camellias, evergreens, hydrangeas, dogwoods, blueberries, strawberries and rhododendrons. It is rich in natural organics and enhanced with Bio-tone microbes. Used and recommended by professionals. Holly-tone’s all natural formula contains Bio-tone, the proprietary blend of beneficial microbes. Bio-tone biologically enhances the natural plant food to ensure superior plant growth.

Overview

  • The leading choice for hollies, azaleas, evergreens. rhododendron and other acid loving plants
  • Complex blend of natural organics
  • Enhanced with Bio-tone microbes for optimum growth and blooms
  • Provides Elemental Sulfur to help maintain soil acidity.
  • Environmentally friendly
  • No sludge, hazardous or toxic ingredients.
  • Long lasting, slow release
  • Won’t burn or leach away
  • Contains organic matter rich in vitamins and beneficial microbes to improve soil

3. Espoma UL30 Organic Soil Acidifier Hydrangea Fertilizer

Espoma organic soil fertilizer is an all-natural mineral that can be used to lower the PH of your soil or to provide plants with sulphur, a nutrient that promotes growth and dark greening. It will also turn hydrangeas from pink to blue. Many gardeners use it specifically to make their hydrangeas and blueberries bluer. Espoma organic soil acidifier is safer than aluminum sulfate due to potential toxic levels of Aluminum with continued use.

Overview

  • It consists of all natural plant supplements for Hydrangeas and blueberries.
  • Lowers PH of soil to allow acid-loving plants to achieve optimum growth.
  • Turns hydrangeas blue.
  • Approved for organic gardening.
  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants.
  • Provides fast acting and long lasting source of sulfur.
  • Safer than Aluminum sulphate.

4. Dr. Earth 703P Organic 4 Azalea/Camellia/Rhododendron Acid Fertilizer

Dry Earth Acid Fertilizer is made with an ultra-premium scientific formula providing optimum levels of primary essential plant nutrients including micronutrients and multi-minerals. Contains probiotic ensuring organic nutrients are thoroughly broken down then released in the soil for plant roots absorbing them as needed. Excellent for use in raised beds during transplanting or feeding mid-season for a nutritional boost.

Fertilizer makes soil more acidic and is conveniently people and pets safe when used as directed. Specially designed to release a portion of nutrients quickly and provide continuous feed for several months for long lasting results. Ideal for hollies, gardenias, hydrangeas, blueberries, evergreens, ferns, shade plants, azalea, camellia, rhododendron and maple.  It is available in a 4 pound size feeding 80 one gallon plants or 16 five gallon plants.

Apply anytime mid-season to supply a continual source of nutrition to maximize bulb size and color potential. Feed the container plants every week to keep plants healthy and strong.

Overview

  • Active in soil 9-14 days
  • It is long lasting; feeds up to 8 weeks.
  • Apply anytime mid-season to supply a continual source of nutrition.
  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants.
  • No sludge, hazardous or toxic ingredients.

5. Jobe’s Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Fertilizer Spikes

Jobes Fertilizer Spikes for Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendrons are specially formulated to fertilize acid-loving plants. Unlike surface applied fertilizers that can wash away with rain or watering, Jobes works underground at the roots. Nutrients are slowly released where plants get their nourishment, providing your acid-loving plants with healthy growth and beautiful blooms. The specially formulated, premeasured spikes make for a fast, easy and mess-free fertilizing experience. For best results, apply just after blooms shed, usually late spring or early summer. Spikes come in a waterproof, resealable pouch.

Overview

  • Slow-release formulated for acid loving plants
  • Easy to use as there is no mixing or measure, it’s already premeasured.
  • It is long lasting as it feeds for a full season.
  • Cannot be washed away by rain or watering.

6. BONIDE PRODUCTS INC Bonide 56429 Pink Fertilizer

This product is formulated to be used as a soil additive only. One of the most beautiful traits of the hydrangeas is the ability to change the color of the blooms. This product gives you the ability to produce pink hydrangea bloom by adding the natural minerals that your soil needs. Another best thing about this product is that it comes already premeasured and therefore no need of mixing and measuring. Apply to the soil at the root zone and water thoroughly. With time, the already pink flowers turn vivid with vigor. By using this product, you will enhance the role of soil microorganism thus making sure nutrient is 100% available to your hydrangea plant.

Overview

  • Easy application as it is already premeasured.
  • Raises Soil PH
  • It is pelleted fertilizer type
  • Enhances flower color

7. JR Peters Inc 59324 Jacks Classic

This product has been formulated for plants do not take up iron efficiently in the root zone. It contains an enhanced micronutrient package that will produce lush green plants in any growing condition. Extend the beauty of your garden to the rest of your landscape with JR Peters Inc 59324 Jacks Classic. Use once a season; in the spring and fall for lush; beautiful foliage and vibrant color on all deciduous evergreen and flowering tree and shrubs. These easy-to-use spikes provide nutrition directly to the roots where trees need it the most and includes natural ingredients.

Overview

  • Professional formula for more flowers and brighter colors on all indoor and outdoor plants.
  • High-quality nutrients and aluminum sulfate.
  • Feed once per season in spring.

8.  Jobe’s  013101310 Fertilizer, 9 Spikes

Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes ensure a continuous supply of nutrients below the surface, where the hydrangeas’ active roots are growing. Jobe’s Spikes are easy to insert around each hydrangea’s dripline. With this product there is no wasteful runoff, no mess, hazards or smells – only a safe beautiful yard. For best results, use Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes in early spring and late fall. Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes will help the hydrangeas in your yard thrive. As a slow-release formula, it lasts all season.

Overview

  • Easy to use fertilizer
  • It is premeasured, no need of mixing
  • As a slow-release formula, it lasts all season

9. Burpee Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer

Bone Meal is a natural source of phosphorus and calcium. The early-season addition of phosphorus to your soil will promote strong root development, enhance early season growth, and give you superior blossoms. Bone meal breaks down slowly, releasing nitrogen for robust growth throughout the season; it will not burn plants. Burpee’s bone meal is great for starting the Hydrangeas.  It’s ideal for new bedding plants, giving established gardens a boost, and keeping patio containers looking their best.

Overview

  • It promotes strong roots and vibrant bloom
  • Provides the vital organic nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium
  • No sludge, hazardous or toxic ingredients that will burn the plant.

10. Ferti-Lome Acid Loving Water Soluble Plant Food 31-11-11

Ferti-Lome Acid Loving Water Soluble Plant Food 31-11-11 is a highly concentrated plant food for acid loving plants and it provides the nutrients plants need to grow lush and green. This product must be dissolved in water before use and should be used each time you water your Hydrangeas for maximum benefit. Apply as a foliar spray or a soil drench, but achieves the best results when both applications are used in combination. You can add fungicides and insecticides to the diluted solution to protect your hydrangeas while feeding them.

Overview

  • Promotes strong roots and vibrant blooms
  • May be added to the soil at any time
  • Provides fast acting and long lasting source Calcium and Phosphorus
  • Approved for organic gardening

11. Osmocote 274250 Smart-Release Plant Food

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor and Indoor is an amazing formula for Hydrangeas. It is fortified with 11 essential nutrients. This formula works with virtually all acid loving varieties, in all growing conditions and more importantly, it has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants. Feed your hydrangeas for up to a full 6 months with Osmocote as prescribed.

Overview

  • Approved for organic gardening
  • It is long lasting as it feeds for a full season.
  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants

12. Grow More 7539 Hydrangea Bluing Formula, 2-Pound

Grow More 7539 Hydrangea Bluing Formula has an aluminum sulphate that helps in forming acid soil condition for hydrangeas. This formula helps and enhances blue color in hydrangeas. It can also be used for azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.  More often, apply the product during the early spring and endeavor to use as per the specification.

Overview

  • Hydrangea bluing formula
  • Helps form acid soil for all hydrangea
  • Turns pink flowers blue; pink and red forms often turn blue or purple in acid soils
  • Use for shrub, climbing vine, bug leaf garden and common varieties
  • For soil or potted plants

13. MYCO+ Fertilizer

Myco+ is a concentrated, super-premium blend of beneficial fungi, amino acids, botanical extracts, carbohydrates, humic acid and minerals, designed to generate explosive root growth and overall plant health. Myco+ will grow long, strong, reaching roots, as well as promote root branching and fine root hairs. This combination will increase hardiness and drought resistance, and will increase root surface area exponentially, allowing your hydrangeas to take up more nutrients. This will in turn increase growth rates as well as blooming vitality.

Overview

  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants
  • Promotes strong roots and vibrant blooms
  • May be added to the soil at any time
  • It is long lasting as it feeds for a full season

14. Espoma GSUL6 Soil Acidifier, 6-Pound

This soil acidifier is an all natural and high purity mineral and can be used both as a plant food and as a soil amendment. It Lowers the pH of soils and allows acid loving plants to achieve optimum growth. This product is also safe as it will not cause burns to the Hydrangeas. For effective results, you will need to apply the fertilizer once a week or every two weeks by use of a sprayer or watering can.

Overview

  • Long lasting and highly effective
  • This soil acidifier is an all natural and high purity mineral
  • Comes in 6-pound bag

15. Miracle-Gro 3002010 Shake ‘N Feed 8LB All Purpose Plant Food

Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed All Purpose Plant Food is specially formulated to help grow stronger, vibrant and more productive plants (versus unfed plants). It contains vital micronutrients, plus added natural ingredients, to nourish above and below the soil.

The product is formulated with kelp, earthworm castings, feather meal and bone meal in an all-in-one particle to feed the microbes in the soil. Microbes break down natural ingredients into nutrients that support root strength and development which increases water efficiency.

You can use Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n feed all purpose plant food for ground and container growing hydrangeas. For a beautiful garden all season long, reapply every 3 months and water regularly.

Overview

  • Cannot be washed away by rain or watering.
  • Apply anytime mid-season to supply a continual source of nutrition.
  • Environmentally friendly
  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants.

16. AM Leonard Fertilizer Osmocote 14-14-14, 3-4 Month

AM Leonard Fertilizer Osmocote 14-14-14, 3-4 Month, is a controlled release fertilizer.  This granular formula is coated with a film of plastic resin and is composed of water soluble nutrients. It has a slow release effect of 3-4 months for annuals, perennial and short term crops. It is ideal for garden, bedding plants, trees, shrubs, and in potting and seeding mixes.

Overview

  • Packaged in 50 lb, bags
  • Provides a total feeding solution
  • It is long lasting as it feeds for a full season

17. The Dirty Gardener Jack’s Classic All Purpose 20-20-20 Water Soluble Plant Food

This fertilizer product is made from the finest raw materials. Dissolves faster and cakes less than other top brands. Being a powerful blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, this fertilizer works well on all plant materials as a general-purpose fertilizer. It is formulated for root and shoot growth. It is particularly effective on both indoor and outdoor foliage plants and keep leaves green and healthy. More importantly, it features the highest safety factor to prevent burning when applied as directed.

Overview

  • Promotes strong roots and vibrant blooms
  • May be added to the soil at any time
  • Professional formula for more flowers and brighter colors on all indoor and outdoor plants.
  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants

18. Miracle-Gro 100131 Plant Food

This food is enriched with microbes and other power-packed ingredients that break down nutrients available in the soil. It is Ideal for feeding all types of plants, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs and houseplants.

The first step in using Miracle-Gro 100131 Plant Food, 3 lbs, is to sprinkle the product into the soil (obviously). Then work it in gently and water. When planting in the ground, use two cups per twenty five sq. ft. and when working within a container use 1/4 of a cup per gallon of soil in the pot.

Overview

  • It is long lasting as it feeds for a full season
  • Promotes strong roots and vibrant blooms
  • Apply anytime mid-season to supply a continual source of nutrition.

19. Schultz 018065 Spf48270 Slow-Release Bloom Fertilizer

This slow release fertilizer is easy to use, as there is no mixing required. It includes micronutrients specially formulated to promote brighter, fuller and healthier blooms. It is great for hydrangeas, roses, annuals and perennials. It provides optimum levels of essential plant nutrients and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers when used as directed.

Overview

  • Slow Release
  • Easy To Use, No Mixing Required
  • Feeds for several months

20. All Purpose 5-2-3 Organic Fertilizer with MYKOS Mycorrhizae

This is a fast acting organic granular fertilizer for shrubs, fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. It contains MYKOS mycorrhizae; a natural and organic species of mycorrhizae that works fast and helps generate a stronger root system by forming a symbiotic relationship with plants. This fertilizer is easy to use and can make a huge difference in your garden’s overall performance. It features the highest safety factor to prevent burning when applied as directed.

Overview

  • Approved for organic gardening
  • May be added to the soil at any time
  • It has low salt index which helps to prevent it from burning plants.
  • It consists of all natural plant supplements for Hydrangeas and flowers

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