If the hydrangea produces many strong green leaves in spring but does not produce any flowers, this can have various causes. If it is a care mistake, it is easy to correct so that you can look forward to rich floral decorations next year at the latest. The green color can also have a completely natural reason.
Why does my hydrangea stay green and without flowers?
Hydrangeas remain green and flowerless if they have been cut back too much in autumn because they attach their flower buds to last year's wood. To ensure plenty of flowers next year, you should cut back the plant in spring and carefully remove any dead flowers.
Hydrangea flowers turn green
Brightly colored flowers of the hydrangea have a special feature: they are initially green when they bloom, then turn pink or white and turn green when they fade. How long the flowers stay fresh and colorful depends on the temperature and soil moisture. In a rather cool summer, the hydrangea can show colorful flowers for many weeks, while in hot and dry weather it almost only produces green-colored flowers. This is also what makes the plants so attractive, as the mix of green and colorful flowers gives the plant a very romantic touch.
Why do the flowers turn green
Due to its green color, the hydrangea is able to produce energy-rich substances from sunlight for some time. That's why you should only break out the flower umbels when they have completely bloomed.
New cultivars bloom green
Monochrome green flowering hydrangeas are special cultivated forms that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They look particularly elegant and luxurious and harmonize very well with hydrangeas in strong colors.
The hydrangea stays green and only grows leaves
If the hydrangea sprouts vigorously in spring but does not produce any flower decorations, you may have been too bold in reaching for secateurs in autumn. Most hydrangeas form their flower buds on the previous year's wood. If you cut the hydrangea back too much in the fall, you will inevitably cut off these flower buds and the hoped-for abundance of flowers the following year will not be there.
That's why you should cut back the hydrangea in the spring if necessary and only carefully remove anything that has died. You can also leave the spent inflorescences on the bush during the winter. Covered with hoarfrost, these are an attractive garden decoration in the cold season and also protect the hydrangea from frost damage.
Tips & Tricks
Hung upside down in a shady place, you can dry the hydrangea flowers that have turned green again. They stay in shape well and fade a little more, which gives the dried flowers a fragile appearance.