Question
My hydrenga has bloomed every year except this one. In the winter coal was dumped on the place where it layed and this summer it did not grow well, nor did it bloom, what do you suggest I do to get it to grow again? I live in Southeastern Kentucky. The hydrenga get quite a lot of sun where it is planted. Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.

Answer
Lois,
I am not completely sure of the effects that the coal would have had other than changing the soil PH and possibly contaminating the soil, but I am sure that this has had a detrimental effect on the Hydrangea.
I would recommend amending the soil using compost and a high quailty top soil. This will replace the nutrients and bacteria that the plant needs.
Fertilize the plant in the fall and keep it well watered this summer.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen