Question
Hi Tom,
I have 4 hydrangeas.  Two of them are the typical kind that people think of when they hear the word "hydrangea".  The plants have beautiful green leaves, but no signs of blooms yet.  They are in the back of my house facing west and get afternoon sun.  The other two have flat flowers that are white in the middle with a blue circle around the outside.  Those plants have dozens of buds growing.  They are in the front of my house facing east and get the morning sun.  I live in Freehold, New Jersey, in Monmouth County.  Are the plants facing west just taking longer, or should I see buds on them now?  I'm wondering if I did something wrong pruning them, but I don't remember how I went about it.  What is the proper time and procedure for pruning hydrangeas.  Thanks very much.
Tony Cipriano

Answer
Hi Tony,
Thanx for your questions.  Hydrangeas do best in partial shade with moist soil that does not completely dry out.  The soil should be slightly acidic and you can treat the soil with Miracid, available at Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.  Follow the directions on the box.  They should be pruned after they are finished blooming.  Prune away dead wood and just enough of the newer growth to keep it neat looking.  If you prune it too severely it will inhibit blooming for the next season.  I hope this helps.
Tom