Question
Hi
can you tell me why it is preferable to NOT allow the lace cap to go to seed ( in the garden)?  I was told to prune to the second set of buds to prevent it...?

Thanks!  sandee

Answer
ALL plants turn themselves inside out to produce Seeds.

It's like being pregnant.  The energy required to construct a crop of Seeds is exhausting.

So if you're NOT going to plant those Seeds (and you shouldn't bother because there are more efficient, more effective ways to propagate this plant than to plant a seed and wait 20 years for it to grow), why make them turn themselves inside out?

You're only going to throw them away.  Right?

Figure this:  Every ounce of energy your Hydrangea spends to make seeds leaves LESS for making flowers.  I don't know about you, but most people don't admire the FOLIAGE on a Hydrangea.  We grow these for their bouquets.

Now, as far as pruning buds to halt Seed production, I admit I am totally confused.  A flower that doesn't bloom can't make Seeds.  But you don't have to go THAT far.  Just cut the bloomed flowers off when they're finished.  I see no reason to prune earlier.

You do have to be careful about general pruning of these plants.  If you're not, you'll prune off next year's flowers.  Do that and you'll have a whole other year to wait before you see it bloom again.

Thanks for writing.  Any questions, followup.