Question
Hydrangea
Hello Tom,
I live in South Jersey and I have 2 hydrangeas that are in the front of my home. Last year around this time, I cut them back almost to the ground and they returned to full size (see picture). However, they seemed to have fewer blooms (maybe 15 per bush). (The middle bush is a different variety and it hasn't bloomed since I planted it in Spring 07.)
About the 2 large hydrangeas - when can I cut them down to the ground to reduce their size? I have read online that I should do it after they bloom next summer (2009). IS this true? I've also included a picture of the buds so you can see what the buds look like.
Thanks for any insight.
Susan
AnswerHI Susan,
Thanx for your questions. Cutting the hydrangeas back to the ground is too severe and is the cause of fewer blooms. You're lucky you got as many as you did. Only trim the shrubs slightly if they start getting messy or have a lot of dead growth that needs to be removed. You'll want to do minor pruning right after the plant has finished blooming. Do not prune anymore after that or you could prune off parts of the plant that will produce blooms next year.
Here is a good link for hydrangea care. I hope this helps.
Tom
http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/
