The Original Endless Summer Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘The Original Endless Summer’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘The Original Endless Summer’

The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea is a beloved reblooming hydrangea that flowers on both old and new wood, producing beautiful clusters of blooms from early summer through frost. Its ability to rebloom makes it one of the most reliable hydrangeas for consistent color all season long. With showy blue or pink flowers depending on soil pH, this cold-hardy shrub brings lasting beauty to foundation plantings, shaded borders, and containers across the Prairies.

Planting & Location

Hardiness Zone: 3–9 (winter-hardy with protection in colder zones; ideal for sheltered prairie gardens)
Mature Size: 3–5 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate (12–18 inches per year)
Sunlight Needs: Morning sun with afternoon shade; too much hot sun may scorch leaves
Soil Preference:

• Prefers rich, well-drained, moist soil

• Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0)

• Flower color varies with soil pH: blue in acidic soils, pink in neutral to alkaline soils
  Spacing: 3–4 ft apart for mass plantings, 5+ ft apart for individual shrubs

Watering

Young Plants (First Year):
Water deeply 2–3 times per week to establish strong roots.

Established Shrubs:
Keep soil evenly moist during hot or windy periods. Endless Summer® prefers consistent moisture and may wilt if allowed to dry out completely.

Avoid Overwatering:
Hydrangeas dislike soggy soil; ensure good drainage and avoid standing water.

Fertilizing

First Year:
No fertilizer required—focus on root establishment.

Mature Shrubs:
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 14-14-14) in early spring as growth begins.

• For blue flowers, use an acidifying fertilizer or aluminum sulfate.

• For pink flowers, add garden lime to raise soil pH.
  Organic option: Apply compost or well-rotted manure in spring.
  Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth instead of blooms.

Pruning & Maintenance

Best Time to Prune:
Late winter or early spring, removing only dead or damaged wood.

How to Prune:
The Original Endless Summer® blooms on both old and new wood, so avoid heavy pruning in spring—doing so can reduce early blooms.

• In late fall, leave stems intact to protect buds.

• In early spring, prune out winter-damaged branches to ground level.

• Lightly shape after first flush of blooms to encourage reblooming later in summer.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

Bloom Time: Early summer to frost (June–September)
Flower Color Progression:

• Acidic soils: rich blue blossoms

• Neutral to alkaline soils: vibrant pink blooms

• Cool evenings may deepen color late in the season
  Fragrance: Mild and sweet
  Foliage:

• Spring & Summer: Glossy deep green leaves

• Fall: Foliage turns yellow-green before dropping

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer browsing and urban pollution

Common Pests:

• Aphids: May cluster on tender shoots. Solution: Wash off with water or spray with insecticidal soap.

• Spider Mites: May cause fine webbing in dry conditions. Solution: Increase humidity and rinse foliage regularly.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew: White coating on leaves in humid weather. Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.

• Leaf Spot (Cercospora): Causes purple or brown spots. Solution: Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.

Winter Protection

Cold Hardiness:
Withstands prairie winters in sheltered locations; may require extra protection in exposed sites.

Protection Tips:

• Mulch 4–6 inches deep around the base after ground freezes to insulate roots.

• Cover the crown with breathable fabric or burlap for added bud protection.

• Do not prune in fall—leave stems to trap snow for natural insulation.

• Cut back to healthy green growth in spring once buds begin to swell.

Landscape Uses

• Excellent for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and shaded garden beds

• Reliable rebloomer that extends color from early summer through fall

• Works well in large containers on patios or decks

• Perfect for cutting gardens—stems make long-lasting fresh or dried arrangements

Additional Notes

• The Original Endless Summer® is the first true reblooming hydrangea, flowering on both old and new wood.

• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.

• For best performance in Saskatchewan, plant in a protected east or north-facing location with consistent moisture and mulch for winter.

• Pairs beautifully with hostas, astilbes, ferns, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Photo from plantaddicts.com