Question
I have a hydrangea plant its about 4 feet. I live in Southern California in Mission Viejo.   I remembered in spring and early summer of this year I pur miracle growths for acid loving plant in my hyudrangea every week.  And now Its just leaves but not flowering. I wonder can I prun it right now( means in october) or wait till spring.  How much tall should I give the plant after prunning.  Please help me.

Thanks
Dee

Answer
Dee,

The proper time to prune hydrangeas are right after they finish flowering. I would think that it would be fine to prune it back some now, but you may lose some potential flower buds for next year. Pruning in the spring would not be advisable. I recommend not taking too much off at this time, maybe only a foot.

The reason that you did not get any flowers this year was because of the miracle gro. Miracle gro contains a high percentage of nitrogen, which stimulates leaf growth but which will also stop flowering. Fertilization of any kind should only be done two or three times a year for best overall health of the plant.

Good luck.
Ed guuliksen