Question
My hydranga bush has not bloomed this year.  The leaves look large and lush....but no buds.  I live in Bryson City NC, at the foothills of the Smokies.  Elevation is 1800 feet. What am I doing wrong?

Answer
Peggy,
When are you pruning? The most common reason for Hydrangeas not flowering is that they are pruned too late in the season. Pruning should be done right after they finish flowering to ensure flowers for the next year.(most Hydrangeas flower on old wood.)
The pther possiblity is that the flower buds were killed off during the cold winter months. This is common with bigleaf hydrangeas. Protect them with an anti-dessicant this fall and erect a burlap enclosure to further protect it from the cold winter winds.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen