Question
HOW and when do I prune a Hydrangra Tree?

Answer
Hello Carol

This is one of those 'two schools of thought' questions.  Thought 1 says prune now and Thought 2 says prune in the spring!  There is a 3rd thought which says 'don't prune at all' - but that's just silly, in my opinion!

This is what I say - do both!

Take off the dead flower heads now, cutting back to a pair healthy buds.  Indeed this may be enough pruning.  However, if you have a cold winter and the plant dies back a little you can always prune a bit more off in the spring.

If you have to prune back hard in order to keep the plant within limits, do so now, though you may sacrifice some flowers next year.