Question
I live in zone 5 and have had hydrangea bushes for about three years that will not bloom (just one or two all summer per bush). I am wondering if they are getting too much sun.  They definitely get plenty of water.  I am thinking of transplanting them.  What kind of area am I looking for or can I salvage these somehow?

Answer
Hi Joyce,
Thanx for your question.  If it's really hot in the summer where you live, hydrangeas can benefit from being planted in an area that get some afternoon shade or late afternoon shade.  The soil should be well-drained but not overly dry.  Hydrangeas like moist but not soggy soil.  They also benefit from acidic soil so if the soil is too alkaline add an acidic soil amendment which you can find at the nursery like Miracid.  Also, do not prune your hydrangeas until fall.  Many people start pruning flowering shrubs before or during the blooming period.  If you do that, you will prevent the shrub from blooming.  If you prune in the autumn, new growth will appear next year and then blooms.  I hope this helps.
Tom