Hello, margaret700.123. If your soil is really "very bad soil," you may want to send a sample to your Agriculture Extension Service for analysis in order to determine what minerals it has too few/too many of. The test result should also offer suggestions on how to correct things. Some nurseries also provide this service free (they hope to sell the amendments that your soil needs).

Growing hydrangeas in dense shade, pruning just as it is getting ready to produce flower buds in June-ish, having a soil pH that is extremely acidic/alkaline and/or having too much nitrogen in the soil could cause your PW to not bloom.

There are kits sold at nurseries that will give you some idea of how much nitrogen, phosphorus and pottasium. It is a general idea and not as good as a formal soil test, mind you. These kits do not check for other "minor" but important minerals; the soil test does.

A newly planted shrub can be fed in June about 1/2 to 1 cup of compost, composted manure, cottonseed meal or you could apply a general-purpose slow-release chemical fertilizer. Maintain the shrub well mulched year around (3 to 4 inches).

Luis

Try FULL SUN first and foremost (we're talking 7-8 hours minimum. General purpose slow release fertilizer also helps. If there is a transplant in order, do it either now or in the fall. If you are in the Pittsburgh area (as I am), full sun is an absolute must. In good soil and full sun, they should bloom on every new stem from top to bottom. They can become dehydrated and droop as most things can, but do not wilt or burn in the sun, so don't be afraid of it.