Cannas and Hydrangeas

Question

I have planted the new bulbs in the spring. They grew up nice and green but no flowers up to now. I put bone meal in the soil. We live in Raleigh, NC. It was more hot and muggy this year for longer periods of time this summer than usual. I watered every other day. There was also an attack of Japanese Beetles. I did the same thing last year and got many flowerings. What’s up?

Also, my hydrangea, very old, never flowered. Did bone meal and acid miracle grow. Again, what’s up?

Thanks. Peggy Kearney

Answer 1

Fall is a great time to do a soil test. This is really the only way to determine if your soil is meeting the plants nutrient needs or if you need to amend the soil.
Over fertilizing can give your plants too much nitrogen which will inhibit flowering.
Pests and weather conditions can impact the plants health and effect the flowering.

Here are some links with more information including a link to help you locate your nearest Extension Office. The Extension Office can help you with a soil test for a small fee.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/japanese-beetle-resistant-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm