Question
Hi,
We live in Basking Ridge, NJ and moved into our current home 2 years ago.  The previous owner planted 4 hydrangia in the front garden in a very sunny area.  Since we moved in, the plants have not bloomed (but under the previous homeowner's care, they apparently were the talk of the neighborhood for their beautiful blooms).  Each plant is already 4-5 feet tall.  In the late fall, we cut the plants back to about 8 inches.  We have not fertilized.

What should we do to get these plants to bloom?

Also, what's the best time of year to transplant?

Answer
Mr Warner, I don't think I have ever answered a question here this quickly.  Nice area, Basking Ridge, by the way.

Don't prune your Hydrangeas any more.

Hydrangeas bloom on old wood.  Every time you cut them back, you are cutting off next year's blooming wood.

It's different with other shrubs and plants.  But Hydrangea is special.

Keep away from those bushes with a shears.  Put up a big sign: "KEEP OUT!"  

Don't prune again until AFTER you see some blooms.  Even then, I think you should stay away from them.  The ONLY thing you need to do is cut off the spent flowers.  But we are right now years away from that problem.  And it's easy.

You can fertilize with hi phosphate (N-P-K -- the "P" is Phosphate) fertilizer.  Don't use Miracle-Gro.  It will give you better leaves.  I think you have seen enough leaves at this point.

Superphosphate, watered in carefully with a slightly acid water (put in a half teaspoon of vinegar from the kitchen in a half gallon of water), will give you nice big blue flowers.  And people will say "Oooooooooo did you see the Warner house?" next year.

Remember, do not touch those shears near the Hydrangeas.

Use the acid formula every time you water.  It takes time to change a pH.  We don't know what color they were when they bloomed.  It's always good to lower the pH for those famous blue petals.

To transplant them, wait until autumn as they are fading.  The root system will continue to grow even after the ground is frozen so make sure you have a deep hole dug.  Be bossy with the landscaper.  Watch them as they work.  Act like you know what they are doing.  They will do a better job.  Trust me, I have been there done that.  Be a generous tipper.  They'll be back.

They'll bloom again.  Better than ever.  I GUARANTEE it.  Let me know if you have any other questions.