Question
I have a 8 year old hydrangea bush that is in partial sun, early and about to two o'clock sun each day. It had beautiful full, large flowes on it for the first 4 years.  The last 4 it has not bloomed.  It grows bigger, and seems healthy, but no flowers.  I wonder if you can give me some idea what to do.  Also, some people tell me I should cut it down low each fall, and others tell me not to.  I have cut it down in the fall before, and I have also tried not cutting it down, but just trimming the dead stalks off in the spring.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
Janice,

I am guessing that you have removed the flowers when you were pruning and that you started pruning 4 years ago.  Without knowing which species you have I am going offer some generic hydrangea tips.

Pruning in the fall or removing twigs in the spring can remove flower buds before they bloom.  Always prune between June 20 and July 4.  This will allow the plant to form and keep its flowers for the next year.  So shape it up now and be patient to see if it blooms next spring.

Good gardening

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