Why Isn’t My Shrub Flowering?
One of the most aggravating things about flowering shrubs is when they aren’t flowering. If you are experiencing this, you’ll need to investigate to figure out the cause—check for possible problems, correct as many as you can, and hope the shrub bounces back and starts flowering.
Here are some of the most common reasons your shrub isn’t flowering.
Incorrect Pruning Has Affected Blooms
There are two ways incorrect pruning can result in a lack of blooming, both over-pruning and insufficient pruning.
- When pruning your shrubs, timing is essential. You need to know if blooms develop on old wood or new growth. If they bloom on old wood and bloom early in the spring before the plant starts growing, you can’t prune them in late winter, or you’ll remove all of the flowers.
- Not pruning your shrubs enough can cause plants to become woody with minimal new growth, so new buds don’t form.
Incorrect Fertilizer Applications are to Blame
Under fertilizing and over-fertilizing can both affect your shrub’s ability to bloom.
- Nutrient deficiencies can inhibit flowering, especially if your shrub doesn’t have enough phosphorus.
- An abundance of nutrients can also disrupt blooming, especially if the shrub has too much nitrogen since it promotes foliage growth over flower development.
Your Plant Could Be Juvenile
An important thing to consider is some woody shrubs take a few years before they begin blooming. Young, juvenile plants are directing energy toward the vegetative growth of stems, leaves, and roots. They may not bloom until their third season or longer.
Winter Temperatures were Too Cold
Low winter temperatures are another culprit, especially for early spring flowering types. Harsh winter conditions may trigger cold injury that damages or destroys tender flower buds that developed in the fall.
Not Getting Enough Sunlight
Another common reason for not blooming is being planted in the wrong place in your landscape, usually in a spot that is too shaded. Some plants will bloom in a site with part to full shade, but their plant tag needs to classify them as shade plants. Shrubs that require full sun will not bloom in the wrong location; they need at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily.
Your Shrub is Under Stress
Lastly, shrubs that are under stress may not flower. Any stressor can cause the plant to direct its energy and attention to protecting itself and healing versus developing flowers. Common stress causes include recent transplanting, planting too deeply, disease or insect problems, drought, over-watering, and even air pollution.
