Question
QUESTION: I purchased 3 lacecap hydrangeas from a nursery and planted them in early June.  They were about 8" when I planted them and now are about 2 feet and look very healthy.  One of the plants has 1 bloom and 1 bud.  The other 2 don't have any.  They get shade all day until around 3pm then full sun.  When the sun hits them during this hot southern Michigan summer, they wilt and have to be watered everyday.  Is there any chance they will bloom next year?  Do they need to be pruned and if so, when and how.

ANSWER: Hi Mary,
Thanx for your question.  The hydrangeas usually begin blooming the second or third season after planting from a small plant.  One thing you should consider is heavily mulching around your shrubs to help keep the roots cool and keep water conserved.  Use grass clippings, straw, bark, leaf mold, etc.  The shade idea is good.  Once these plants become well established and deep-rooted, you should see the wilting subside.  The shrubs are still looking for water sources deep in the ground so continue to water them well and to feed them with a balanced fertilizer 12-12-12 following the directions on the package.  Next year, your plants will be firmly established, strong, bigger and possibly blooming.  You shouldn't see any wilting next year.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom,
Thank you very much for your prompt response.  I found it very helpful.  The only question I still have is regarding pruning.  I'm not sure weather they should be pruned and if so, when.

Answer
Hi Mary,
Thanx for the followup.  Generally, you don't need to prune the hydrangea.  If you must do it, do it right after the plant finishes blooming and never later than that.  You can leave them be for a long time with out having to shape or prune them.  Here's a link that should help.

http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/pruning.html

I hope this helps.
Tom