We get lots of people coming into the store asking why their plants aren’t blooming. If you have your own flowering issues, check the list below to see what the culprit might be.
Insufficient Light
Many flowering plants require a specific amount of light to bloom. If a plant is not receiving enough sunlight (or, conversely, is getting too much), it may fail to produce flowers.
Improper Pruning
Pruning at the wrong time of year can remove buds that would have developed into flowers. Some plants bloom on new growth, while others bloom on last year’s growth, so knowing when to prune is crucial.
Hydrangeas are especially prone to poor pruning practices, leading to no or few blooms. Knowing your type of hydrangea will tell you exactly when to prune. Oakleaf, Bigleaf, Mountain, and Climbing Hydrangeas should ONLY be pruned after flowering (typically sometime in August) since flowers bloom on old wood. By the time the next summer rolls around, most of the branches will be old wood and ready to flower! Panicle hydrangeas, such as Limelight, Anabelle, and Quickfire, bloom on newer growth, so it’s best to prune them in late winter or early spring. Don’t know what kind you bought? Call the store and we can look it up for you.
Nutrient Imbalance
Over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen fertilizers, can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Conversely, a lack of essential nutrients like phosphorus can also hinder blooming. Our Gardener’s Special Fertilizer is a good all-around fertilizer to try.
Age of the Plant
Some perennials and shrubs need to reach a certain maturity before they start blooming. Young plants, or recently transplanted ones, might not bloom until they are fully established.
Water Stress
Both overwatering and underwatering can stress plants, leading to poor flowering. Consistent, appropriate watering is essential for healthy blooms.
Weather Conditions
Unusual weather patterns, like a late frost, extended periods of cool weather, or extreme heat, can affect blooming. Some plants are sensitive to temperature changes and may not bloom if the conditions aren’t right.
Pest or Disease Issues
Infestations or diseases can weaken a plant, diverting energy away from flowering. Common culprits include aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections. See our resources for identifying pests here.
Soil Conditions
Soil that is too compacted, poorly drained, or not suited to the plant’s pH preference can affect its ability to bloom. Good soil health is critical for flowering. Google the plant and its desired soil, then check out our Plant Product page to find the soil additive you need.
Lack of Rest Period
Some plants require a period of dormancy, often in the form of a cold spell, to bloom successfully. Without this period of rest, they may not flower as expected.
Transplant Shock
Moving a plant can sometimes disturb its roots and growth cycle, causing it to skip blooming for a season as it recovers. Try the Blooming and Rooting Fertilizer to help roots recover.
Competition from Nearby Plants
If a perennial or shrub is crowded by other plants, it might not have access to the necessary nutrients, water, or light it needs to bloom.
Dave has some plant probiotics that can help solve many of the issues on this list. Applying SoilCare or BioSoil to your plants every few weeks helps them uptake more nutrients, aerates the soil for better drainage, and gives them a better chance at fighting off diseases and pests.
