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My Hydrangea-less Summer and When to Prune Hydrangeas

July 29, 2014  Garden | Tips & Tricks | Uncategorized

This post is filled with information on when to prune hydrangeas. You will learn how to identify the type of hydrangea you have, old wood vs. new wood and what that means and exactly when to prune each type of hydrangea. Whether you are a beginner gardener or already have a green thumb, there is so much information on how to care for your hydrangeas so they bloom!

When to Prune Hydrangeas - Read this Before Pruning Hydrangeas so you can get beautiful blooms! kellyelko.com #hydrangeas #hydrangea #pruning #pruningtips #prunehydrangeas #perennials #gardener #gardens #gardening #gardeningtips #kellyelko.com

Big, fat tears rolled down my cheeks when I stepped outside a couple of months ago only to be met with a frightening sight.

No, it wasn’t Sasquatch or Freddy Krueger (although this did give me nightmares).

It was so much more horrifying.

Learn the best times to prune hydrangeas or risk getting no blooms kellyelko.com

Oh my hubby certainly meant well when he let someone give our yard a spring clean up.

The aftermath of his well meaning decision was that my beautiful hydrangeas had been clipped to within an inch of their lives and all that remained were a few brown branches sadly wondering what they had done to deserve such a cruel fate.

They have gorgeous, shiny leaves but not a flower to behold (I guess I won’t be needing my simple hydrangea drying method this year)!

If your hydrangea are a bunch of sad brown sticks, read these tips for fixing winter kill hydrangeas.

post contains affiliate links

Avoid the #1 mistake when pruning hydrangeas or you will have no blooms! kellyelko.com

When to Prune Hydrangeas so They Bloom

These are my favorite pruning shears and I love this organic fertilizer for hydrangeas and this acidifier to change the color of hydrangeas to blue.

There are three types of hydrangeas …

Old Wood Hydrangeas

Mophead (what I have) and Lacecap Hydrangeas (typically pink, blue or purple) bloom on old wood meaning that their buds start to form in the fall for next summer’s blooms.  If they are trimmed in the fall, winter or spring, all of those precious buds will be removed and you summer hydrangeas will be flowerless.  Only prune in June or July!  Only prune if the shrubs are too large for their space.

Don’t be afraid to remove dead stems or flowers anytime of the year – this should be done annually and will not affect regrowth.

New Wood Hydrangeas

PeeGees and Annabelle hydrangeas (usually white) bloom on new wood meaning they can be pruned in the fall and will bloom on new stems in summer.

Everbloomer Hydrangeas

There is a group of mopheads that will bloom whenever they are pruned – one common type is called Endless Summer.  These are the exception, not the rule, so make sure you know which type you have before cutting.

Read this post if your hydrangeas aren’t blooming or are nothing but sad brown sticks – Why Aren’t My Hydrangeas Blooming – and How to Fix It!

 Learn about the 3 types of hydrangeas and when you should prune them kellyelko.com

I still haven’t fully recovered – it’s a process.

Oh, and if that landscape guy ever sets foot in my yard again be better beware of the wrath of the crazy hydrangea-less lady.

Favorite Pruning Shears

Organic Fertilizer

Acidifier (change hydrangea color to blue)

Don’t miss my Complete Guide to Hydrangea Care Here

Hydrangeas 101 - the complete guide! kellyelko.com #hydrangeas #perennials #gardening #gardeningtips #gardener #flowers #plants #kellyelko

More Gardening Tips

Why Aren’t My Hydrangeas Blooming – and How to Fix It!

Why Aren't My Hydrangeas Blooming - and How to Fix Them! kellyelko.com

Endless Summer Hydrangea planting and care tips (these stunners re-bloom from spring through summer)!

Endless Summer Hydrangeas Planting and Care Tips kellyelko.com

Don’t miss this post on how to cut hydrangeas so they don’t wilt

and more …

#1 Succulent Planting Tip

Easiest Succulents Planting Tips kellyelko.com

peony growing and care tips and tricks to have them blooming like crazy!

Peony Planting Tips kellyelko.com

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Comments

  1. Karen Ploransky @ The Decorated Nest

    July 29, 2014 at 7:08 am

    I feel your pain. How about this–normally my hydrangea set buds and then drop leaves for winter. This past winter was no different. Then in spring the “dead wood” usually sprouts leaves mid june followed by huge beautiful flowers! This year–the dead wood was really “dead” and all new growth started from the ground at root level. Not one leaf on not one branch on over 8 mature plants. so, i waited–all of june and most of july and finally gave up–not a single flower on the 6 giant plants in the front and two in the back. I don’t get it! Lush healthy looking plants too!

    Reply
    • Mary Lou

      July 29, 2014 at 9:03 pm

      Me too! 🙁 I have a beautiful leafy plant but no flowers but its sister plant in a different location has gorgeous blooms. I think the many days of below zero temperatures took their toll. So sad…

      Reply
      • Lisa Gentry

        December 10, 2015 at 4:20 pm

        I feel somewhat better that there are other heartbroken people with “no-bloom” hydrangeas. I have had some beautiful summer blossoms but after an unfortunate pruning incident we haven’t had a single bloom in 2 years. We had a brutal winter last year but I don’t know to do now.

        Reply
        • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

          December 12, 2015 at 11:57 am

          All we can do is wait and hope!

          Reply
      • Aurora Maldonado

        July 29, 2018 at 12:07 am

        I always cover my hydrangeas for the winter. I live in Chicago so we get lots of snow and single digit temperatures. After leaves fall off and before the snow early December, I use newspaper or brown paper bags all over the plant. And I put a Dollar Store laundry basket over it snd a brick on top to keep it secure on those windy days. Sounds like a lot of work but my plants are 12 years old. And get plenty of blooms every year.

        Reply
        • Kelly Elko

          August 1, 2018 at 9:18 am

          I have always wanted to do this too but have 25 hydrangeas and just don’t have the energy LOL!

          Reply
        • Alyce

          October 21, 2019 at 12:20 pm

          Hi please share how you use the paper and bags. Are you pruning in order to put the laundry basket over the plants?
          Thanks

          Reply
  2. Kim

    July 29, 2014 at 7:16 am

    I only had six blooms this year and maybe now I know why. I think I cut mine back late last August. Oops!

    Reply
  3. Gina

    July 29, 2014 at 7:25 am

    I’m right there with you…..not one bloom this summer 🙁

    Reply
  4. Meg Karetny

    July 29, 2014 at 7:28 am

    This happened to me a few June’s ago when we had someone mow our backyard & he completely obliterated my strawberry patch! Gone! No more! Ugh 🙁 It was the last summer at that house & I never got to enjoy what I planted. Hope the new tenants enjoyed what I started lol. Hope yours come back twice as nice next year!!! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Cheapdiva

    July 29, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Due to our extremely long, cold, harsh winter, I lost half my roses and 2 of my bushes are only sporting leaves, no buds. I feel your pain.

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 9:00 pm

      oh no! wishing you armloads of roses next year!

      Reply
  6. [email protected]

    July 29, 2014 at 8:11 am

    My very large hydrangea is not blooming as well as it has in the past…I would have hundreds and hundred of gorgeous blooms…this year, not much…and we did not prune it…yet my small hydrangeas are doing a bit better..We are thinking that it was the horrible winter we had, then it became very warm…and then we had snow…I miss them too!…thanks for the tips and hope that landscape guy does not cross your path!..

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 8:59 pm

      heaven help him if he does!

      Reply
  7. Mary Alice Patterson

    July 29, 2014 at 8:13 am

    I have no blooms on my hydrangeas this year, Endless Summer, and I’m blaming it on the harsh winter. That seems to be the consensus when I did a post about it. Lots of people in the same boat…but it’s still a huge disappointment!!
    Mary Alice

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      oh no – we better get double the blooms next year!

      Reply
  8. Laura Strack

    July 29, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Oh wow Kelly, that bites! I’m sure you gave him the what what! He probably ran out and bought “Hydrangeas for Dummies”!! Hint Hint Yard Man. Are you reading this?!!

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      that would be a best seller!

      Reply
  9. Mary Evelyn Denton

    July 29, 2014 at 8:47 am

    I totally feel your pain!! We had an extremely harsh winter in Tennessee and none of our hydrangeas have bloomed at all!! The plants are very green and healthy but no blooms! Soooo sad!!!

    Reply
    • Sandy Long

      August 25, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Same with mine, in Murfreesboro, TN.

      Reply
      • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

        August 27, 2015 at 7:22 pm

        Oh no – the whole country is hydrangea-less!

        Reply
  10. Carol

    July 29, 2014 at 8:49 am

    Oh, how I feel for you! Mine was a similar story this year except with caladiums! Without knowing until it was too late, my husband moved my very happy 650 bulbs from the cool garage closet to the outside shed and I did not realize they had “froze to death” until AFTER the mushy bulbs were planted anyway by our yard man. I have had a bare yard all summer and I am currently being treated for caladium-less stress! Come on next year as now I have a greater insight about watching over my bulbs until they can be planted! He said he needed the space in the garage for his stuff! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      we need a flower-less support group!

      Reply
    • Linda

      July 8, 2018 at 6:45 pm

      Also love caladiums. When I planted mine at a former home, I mulched with pine straw and tree bark. Never had to dig them up for the winters. They came back every year.(Deep South, zone 8b).

      Reply
      • Kelly Elko

        July 9, 2018 at 3:18 pm

        That’s great Linda! I love caladiums too!

        Reply
  11. Jennifer

    July 29, 2014 at 9:08 am

    I hear you but we didn’t prune. Our guy said the bad winter destroyed buds. Actually, no one’s hydrangeas around here are blooming. So sad to see no blossoms in summer!

    Reply
  12. Linda Nelson

    July 29, 2014 at 9:26 am

    Yes, Kelly, “landscapers” are notorious for whacking back mop head hydrangeas, regardless of which cultivar they may be. Take heart in that this year most macrophyllas did not perform as expected; too harsh of a winter. But, you actually can prune the old wood blooming mop heads in the spring. It’s a matter of timing (late April is ideal), and being able to differentiate a leaf bud from a flowering bud. As long as you prune just above a flowering bud (slightly more round looking than the slim, pointed leaf bud), you’re fine.

    Reply
  13. Carol

    July 29, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I had no blooms and I didn’t prune. We had a very harsh winter in NC and all I have are lush shrubs.

    Reply
  14. Sileandal

    July 29, 2014 at 9:45 am

    The deer mowed mine down this spring. Thought they didn’t like hydrangeas!

    Reply
  15. Margaret

    July 29, 2014 at 10:07 am

    Hydrangeas are just a mystery, I think and they bloom when they feel like it 🙂 . I have two bushes in my front yard. I have pruned them, not pruned them; fertilized and not fertilized; some years they bloom, some they don’t. I can’t for the life of me figure it out. Last year, I pruned one, but not the other and guess what – neither one has a bloom on it – go figure!

    Reply
  16. [email protected]

    July 29, 2014 at 11:29 am

    The good or bad news is that you may not have had any anyway. The heavy winter snow killed off a lot of old wood on plants and so a lot of wood had to be removed this spring. My mopheads have actually started to bloom a little, but are certainly not prolific. My Endless Summer is bloomless. My neighbors Endless Summer are FILLED with beautiful blooms like they have never had before.

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      run next door and snip off a few of her blooms!!

      Reply
    • Trish

      February 29, 2016 at 6:52 am

      I have two Endless Summer bushes sitting side by side. The one blooms beautifully and the other one
      has not bloomed in years. Why ?????

      Reply
  17. Cynthia @her lovely nest

    July 29, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    No, Kelly! this is terrible. at least your bushes appear strong and undamaged so you should hopefully have lots of lovely flowers next year. hydrangeas are notoriously tough and forgiving, they will reward you next year I’m
    🙂

    Reply
    • Cynthia @her lovely nest

      July 29, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      umm that would be *I’m sure*!

      Reply
  18. Amy

    July 29, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    Oh, I laughed and cried as I read your post. I tried and tried in TX to grow hydrangeas, but failed – just too hot in Austin. But after moving to NC, I was determined to grow the beautiful flowers that seem to grow like weeds here in everyone’s yard. After babying the three new plants along our garage wall last summer, they made it through an extremely overly wet summer. Then come about November, and my well meaning hubby, cut them to the ground. I was horrified and asked him nicely to please let me research when the best time is to prune my precious new plants before doing so. Alas, I have three gorgeous, green, healthy plants and not one bloom this summer…. I asked the woman at the nursery and she told exactly what you’ve shared in your post. “NEVER prune the old wood”, she said. Now we are moving back to TX and I’m sure the new owners of our lovely NC home will enjoy the blooms I will likely never see – next summer. Maybe I’ll give it another try in Texas. I read your post to my hubby and we both had a good chuckle. Well, at least I can *almost *laugh about it now!

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      I’m sure your hubby will never cut another thing without permission again!!

      Reply
  19. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

    July 29, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    I’m so sorry about your hydrangeas! I would be broken hearted as well! If there was any way I could send you some of my dried blooms, I would! I’m just afraid that they would be a pile of crumbs by the time they got to you. But, if you happen to be near Murfreesboro, TN…I’ll have some waiting for you! 🙂 Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 29, 2014 at 9:04 pm

      thanks Melissa! enjoy your blooms

      Reply
  20. Becca

    July 30, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Oh noooooooo, I would’ve “screamed!” Can you just hot glue some “faux” ones onto the leaves? LOL … kidding. I hope that they resurrect soon!

    Reply
  21. Camille

    July 30, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    Same thing happened to us this year. We have several big old hydrangea bushes that were GORGEOUS last year but this year we only had 2 blooms. We’re in Atlanta. We pruned the dead flowers back later than we should have but were careful to only get the flowers & still only had 1 or 2 blooms this year. I was very disappointed.

    Reply
  22. Ann

    July 30, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    So sorry to hear about your hydrangeas, Kelly. We had such a harsh winter here in Nebraska that we lost a Blacklace Elderberry tree, a dwarf blue spruce, one hibiscus and a cedar tree. Two of my six Endless Summer hydrangeas nearly died. Each has about a dozen small leaves sprouting at the base–finally. The remainder of the Endless Summers are big, thick, full and TOTALLY DEVOID OF BLOOMS! Arrrrrrgh! I’ve never seen anything like it. My Annabelle and Tardiva hydrangeas have blooms, but not nearly as many as usual. Just means our blooms will be even more special next year.

    Reply
  23. Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs

    August 2, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    I love Hydrangeas. I bought one a couple of years ago and at the end of the first season I chopped it back to stubs. Mistake! A client of mine who is an avid gardener told me to just leave it be next year and I did, I am happy to say it is thriving! The flowers are such pretty assets to a garden!

    Reply
  24. ruth lee

    August 17, 2014 at 1:42 am

    I have never had blooms on my hydranga’s which I have had for over 5 years. Then I bought a blooming hydrangia and that also did not bloom the following year. I do not trim the plants. I even moved one of the plants from a east location to a west location. Help, what do I need to do.

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      August 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Oh no!! That is so strange – I would ask your local garden center and hopefully they can figure out the problem

      Reply
  25. Judi James

    August 24, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    Sorry to heat about your flowerless hydrangeas. I live in Alberta, Canada and we also had a very bad winter/spring. I lost my little limelight hydrangea as well as two clematis and a barberry. It was debatable whether or not my other hydrangea would bloom but I am happy to report that is has the best blooms ever. Maybe feeding it coffee grounds and banana peels worked!

    Reply
  26. Margie

    September 1, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    I tried to bring my hydrangea flowers in to start drying them in water but there were little green bugs that kept crawling out of them so I had to take them back outside. What do you do to eliminate the bugs before you bring them in?

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      September 1, 2014 at 11:02 pm

      Try soaking them in water before bringing them inside – hope that helps!

      Reply
  27. Deborah

    October 5, 2014 at 8:41 am

    Beautiful lg bush leaves here no Flowers… Should I cut the bush back now or leave it…. Im sure i trimmed it to small last year… But the bush itself is way to big for the area.. Can the leaves be trimmed and wehn exactly ?? Thank you

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      October 5, 2014 at 8:50 am

      Hi Deborah – it depends on where you live and exactly what type of hydrangea you have. If you have an old wood hydrangea (see the post), do not cut it now. This should only be done in June/July.

      Reply
      • Deborah

        October 5, 2014 at 9:18 am

        Hello again.. I Live in Boston,Ma My bush was a Beautiful Purple blue color for 1 or 2 yrs… NOt a single bllom this year .. I have 2 bushes one in the sun is Huge!! The other stays very small (too small 0 shaded area.. Do you suggest I move it and when is a good time.. Love the flowers when they bllom and thank you.. Also would feeding it something help ??

        Reply
        • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

          October 5, 2014 at 9:40 am

          Hydrangeas like morning sun/afternoon shade. I moved a hydrangea once that wasn’t doing well and it’s thriving now. I don’t feed mine so can’t give you any tips on feeding.

          Reply
  28. Trina Ambrose

    January 2, 2015 at 2:35 am

    I’m still getting over the fact that there are other hydrangea fans out there………..I thought I was the only one. I’m desperately trying to work out how I can incorporate more hydrangea’s into my garden in a mediterranean climate. I live in central Victoria in Australia – our temperature today is 41 degrees celsius (106 fahrenheit) -tomorrow we’re expecting 45! At this point, I have two planted on the south side of our house and they are going quite well – I will probably plant more in this location and just enjoy……

    Reply
  29. Linda M.

    January 10, 2015 at 10:47 am

    I feel your pain. I think my lawn guy cut mine down 2 years ago and this past summer – not a bloom in sight. I even try not to trim them on purpose! We’ll have to see what happens this spring/summer. I was also told that because of the freezing temperatures (here in NY) they might have been damaged. BUT it never happened before!!

    Reply
  30. Sherry W.

    March 12, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    We just bought our new home and what attracted me most was the big beautiful hydrangea next to the deck with georgous huge pink blooms. Before moving in, the previous owner asked if she could dig it up. What? Did she just say that? Of course I said no. So she just chopped off all the flowers. Ugghh. So, I just patiently waited for the next year. Once winter hit, my husband shoveled off the deck and guess where the snow went? Yes! Right on the bush. Broke off alot of branches. Summer came and went with nice healthy leaves but not one flower. Looking forward to this summer. I am hoping I get to see the big blooms that helped me pick out my new home. As a bonus, one branch got buried under the mulch and I found a whole new bush growing next to the first one. Nice!

    Reply
  31. Debbie Dixon

    May 31, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    I dont know what kind of hydrangea I have. Is there any way of telling what kind I have? Do they have different types of leaves? I love hydrangea but havent had any luck producing flowers for years. This year I havent proned anything. Can someone help please. Thanks

    Reply
  32. liz

    June 3, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    I’m not sure what hydrangeas I have there white but every year I get less branches and bubs, I’VE Pruned and I’ve not pruned still nothing any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      June 3, 2015 at 1:02 pm

      Not sure Liz – maybe you’ve had late spring freezes that froze the new buds. Or maybe they need more sun? You can try transplanting them. I did that to one of mine and it’s thriving now.

      Reply
      • sharon erickson

        June 25, 2015 at 4:03 pm

        seems like one of the biggest problems with hydrangeas is husbands. lol

        Reply
  33. Tracey Brogan

    June 12, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    When we moved to our house, we have 3 in the backyard up against the sunroom. I was redoing all the gardens and they were huge and spaced poorly. So I ripped them out, split them and replanted. Every year since, the plants are big, beautiful and healthy looking, but NO blooms or 2-3 blooms at best. They are the “old fashion” type that grow off the old wood. I don’t prune them at all.

    Any advice?

    Reply
    • Tracey Brogan

      June 12, 2015 at 1:21 pm

      Ps. Forgot, I replanted 3 back were they were, just spaced better. The other 3 went on the slightly sunnier side of the sunroom. So same flower bed, just a different side for those 3.

      Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      June 25, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      Not sure – maybe the transplant did it or you had late spring freezes that froze the new buds. Maybe try some fertilizer (ask your garden center what is best). Hope they bloom soon!

      Reply
  34. Terry

    June 27, 2015 at 2:41 am

    Good and bad news. First the bad for you all not me, I have lots of different hydrangeas in my yard in Seattle, Wa and 100″s of blooms, sorry they are gorgeous. Now the good news a few years back, it was really cold for here (Seattle) plus after all the Seattle rain they looked hideous, so I pruned them way back, not one bloom on about 15 bushes for 1 year.. Great news every year since I have had big, beautiful flowers. So glad. I learned it takes a year of waiting to get great results.

    Reply
  35. Joy

    July 24, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    I just pruned mine just last Sunday. Because of the blooms of the hydrangeas were dead and the leaves looked like something has been eating on them. So I cleaned up what needed to be cleaned up on them. But we have had such a very wet spring and summer. So did I mess up on mine for pruning them now and when will the blooms come back? These are my first hydrangeas.

    Reply
  36. Priscilla

    August 7, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    I live in Tennessee. How far down should I cut?

    Reply
  37. Priscilla

    August 7, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    I live in Tennessee. How far down should I cut ?

    Reply
  38. Catherine Ellsworth

    August 14, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    Thank you Kelly.
    I thought your article was only about the type of Hydrangeas that you have. I then read it and it told me everything I did wrong. I appreciate this so much.

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      August 15, 2015 at 9:28 am

      Oh good Catherine – enjoy your hydrangeas!

      Reply
  39. Marilyn

    October 11, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    I have a hydrangea. It never blooms it gets green leaves & that’s it

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 11, 2015 at 1:18 pm

      I live in missouri

      Reply
  40. Holly

    December 16, 2015 at 11:17 am

    My MIL is a plant geneticist and told me it could take 3-5 years to get blooms if they are all cut! Mine finally bloomed this summer after 4 years of no flowers…then the deer ate them 🙁

    Reply
  41. Debbie

    April 10, 2016 at 10:13 am

    What will happen if I didn’t get mine pruned in the fall? Will it still bloom?

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      April 10, 2016 at 10:40 am

      You don’t need to prune hydrangeas – yours should be fine!

      Reply
  42. Christine

    June 7, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Found you a while back on Pinterest. I read this with passing interest, because I have two hydrangeas, but don’t pay them much mind.
    After a HARD April frost, where all my Japanese maples, hosta and even huechera had to restart their spring growth, I noticed my two hydrangea had lots of brown as you described. Actually, I have 3.
    One, ‘Limelight’ grows stuff on dead branches.
    The ‘Lady in Red’ and ‘Twist and Shout’ are putting out basel growth, but not on dead wood.
    I guess I need to go look them up to see how to best care for them. I picked the latter two for their red elements. The ‘Limelight’ was a throw-away from a nursery. It’s rewarded me with beautiful, lemon yellow foliage for several years now. I have no idea if it even has flowers!
    Thanks for the info!

    (I”ve suffered from unasked for “help” before, too. I never, ever want favors.)

    Reply
  43. Irene Moore

    June 9, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I live in Virginia beach, Va and I have the most beautiful blooms ever this year. Hydrangeas that is.
    However my iris didn’t bloom at all well. Any comments?

    Reply
  44. Irene Moore

    June 9, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I live in Virginia beach, Va and I have the most beautiful blooms ever this year. Hydrangeas that is.
    However my iris didn’t bloom at all well. Any comments?

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      June 9, 2016 at 9:02 pm

      Sorry Irene – I don’t have any iris so I can’t help you there but I’m glad your hydrangeas look amazing!

      Reply
      • Delores S. Lorenz

        August 18, 2016 at 10:39 am

        My hydrangeas are in the shade. The blooms don’t start till late summer. I have blooms into November.
        The plant has gotten quite large. I think last year I trimmed in the fall. Did I hurt the blooms.
        The plant is very large. This is now August so I guess I should wait till next year to trim. I only see
        one or two blossom. I love my hydrangeas. I also have the white and it is in he sun and has lots of
        blooms.

        Reply
        • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

          August 19, 2016 at 2:40 pm

          Sounds like you might have sun loving Limelight Hydrangeas. They bloom in August through the fall with white blooms that turn a beautiful shade of rusty pink. Not sure about the ones you have in the sun – try taking a pic and bringing it to your garden center.

          Reply
  45. Christine New England

    July 20, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    My beautiful Hydrangeas have dark green leaves as big as elephant ears! Not one flower. The first year we moved here from Florida, we cut the wood way down in the Fall. The next year, no blooms so we decided to just leave them alone. This year giants with gigantic leaves, very healthy looking, not a flower among them. We have at least 30 bushes! The former owner loved flowers. Sadly I have a very brown thumb!

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      July 20, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Patience will yield beautiful flowers Christine!

      Reply
  46. Tammy

    August 11, 2016 at 10:37 am

    I have no blooms on my hydrangeas this year either AND I never pruned them. Not sure what’s up with that. I have tons of leaves and all these ugly sticks shooting straight out of them but not one flower. I’m completely confused.

    Reply
    • Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage

      August 13, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      We had a very harsh winter here which I think also contributed to lack of blooms. We got frost after they budded so the buds died instead of blooming. Maybe that is your issue?

      Reply
  47. Edith Lichfield

    November 16, 2016 at 10:53 pm

    It is November 16,2016 and my hydrangeas still have blooms but are green with just a little pinkin the back of the blooms. The plant itself just keeps getting bigger. Had lots of blue and pink and purple blooms until July but now what do I do.Going to freeze this weekend and I’ve been covering it for over a week because of Frost’s. I sure do hate for winter to kill all the gorgeous foliage.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      November 17, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      Edith – Hydrangeas lose their leaves in the winter. They should rebloom in the spring – enjoy them!

      Reply
  48. joanne cullen

    March 23, 2017 at 9:47 am

    someone did the same thing to my lace cap collection-I have around 25 varieties-hopefully,I’ll have bloom this year…imagine my dismay when I saw my adult ,healthy plants/shrubs,reduced to 2inch sticks….this done by someone that professed knowledge of pruning

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      March 23, 2017 at 11:49 am

      I feel your pain Joanne! I am still fuming and won’t let anyone go near my hydrangeas ever again!

      Reply
  49. Courtney McClure

    March 27, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    How does this apply to hydrangea trees??? I got a new one this past summer and am unsure when or how far to prune.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      March 27, 2017 at 9:01 pm

      I don’t have hydrangea trees so I can’t speak to that. I would contact your local garden center

      Reply
  50. Olivia

    April 7, 2017 at 12:25 am

    Am just sad i am late to read about the dried flower of my hydrangeas ,i just took it out the dried flowers that i should do your tips.. my hydrangeas was on the pot ,should it be possible to transfer on my flower box?am worried i hope the dried flowers i took out ,will grow another new flowers. Pls give me some tips what to do. Thank you .good luck and more success!
    Olivia

    Reply
  51. Wayne

    April 21, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    How do u get the ants out of peonies so u can bring them inside?

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      April 21, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Cut them before they are about to bloom. If they are bloomed, shake them and submerge them in water

      Reply
  52. elida zamarron

    April 26, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    hope you told your husband to never have that done again… I feel your pain.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      April 27, 2017 at 9:10 am

      I threatened his life!!

      Reply
  53. Michael Jones Dougherty

    April 27, 2017 at 6:58 am

    I have 2 really big limelights hydrangeas. There white in the spring & sumner & pink in early fall. My husband pruns them back in the fall .& they come back in the spring really nice .

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      April 27, 2017 at 9:10 am

      I love limelights – I have 7! I wrote a post on those too: http://www.kellyelko.com/2015/08/limelight-hydrangea-growing-tips/

      Reply
  54. Dee

    April 29, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    I’m not too sure what kind I have growing in my front yard as we just moved in but it’s huge! There are a lot dead flowers on it and I’m assuming it’s never been taken care of what should I do? Please help me! Lol

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      April 29, 2017 at 1:47 pm

      Since your hydrangea might bloom on old wood, I would wait until fall to remove dead flowers. You don’t really need to prune a hydrangea unless it’s getting too big – good luck!

      Reply
  55. Andrea

    May 25, 2017 at 10:44 am

    I’m in northern Illinois and my limelight hydrangea looks like new growth coming up from the ground but brown stalks on the old stems they did great last year! What should I do and what am I doing wrong?

    Reply
  56. M A GUNNER

    June 18, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    I never prune my hydrangea till all the frost has gone .and my hydrangeas are the best I have over 150 bloomes on my plant .I have got 3 in all ..so GIVE it a go prune at the end of frost .

    Reply
  57. AM Sherring

    September 28, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    I rescued two potted reduced hydrangeas from my local supermarket that had been neglected . I reported them and they flourished and I cut them back to encourage bushing not knowing that you should do that to hydrangeas . They became very large and beautifully green but no flowers .
    I liv in NJ and I plan in wintering them in the garage but I do not know if I should cut them back as I do with my mandevillas or just allow the leaves to dry up and fall off in garage . Should I cut the dried stems back in the Spring or what is the way to assure that they bloom for me .

    Reply
  58. Kailene

    May 7, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    I found your post via Pinterest. I have a hydrangea, but I have no idea what type. I read a few of your posts, but I’m a little (ok a lot) confused and I’m hoping you can help. The bush has dead looking wood stems, with dead looking buds on it. There are definitely new leaves coming up at the base. Should I cut it all back…except for the new growth?

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      May 10, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      Hi Kailene – sounds like you have the same type of hydrangeas as I do. My sticks are pretty pathetic looking too but I’m going to wait a bit longer before I cut off the dead canes just to make sure they don’t surprise me!

      Reply
  59. Vanessa

    May 23, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    This was a good read! I didn’t know that was the best time!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      May 24, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      You’re welcome and enjoy your hydrangeas Vanessa!

      Reply
  60. Melanie

    June 6, 2018 at 9:09 pm

    I think mine are the Endless summer as they start out pink to light green then tan.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      June 8, 2018 at 7:35 am

      If you’re not sure, cut a leaf, take a few pics, and bring to your garden center. I’m sure they will know.

      Reply
  61. Maz

    July 4, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    Hi ….. Why don’t you stain your fence black behind your hydrangeas……. would look amazing

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      July 5, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      I like it that way – and once the hydrangeas grow, I can barely see it!

      Reply
  62. Linda

    July 8, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    Hi. What has happened to several of my hydrangeas is it puts out one or two long brown stems and sprouts leaves and flowers at the very tip. That’s it. I have pom pom hydrangeas sprouting out of low growing mass of leaves. Any ideas how to get these guys to grow full size and fullness?

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      July 9, 2018 at 3:17 pm

      Linda – I would cut back your hydrangeas in the fall to start fresh! Do not prune in spring or you will not get any flowers!

      Reply
  63. Sara Barnes

    July 31, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    Very disappointed in your infirmation about hydrangeas … you left out too many details such as Tardivia hydrangeas, oak leaf hydgraneas … when is the pruning time? Those are the specific ones we have growing in the two lawns af our mountain home and our lake homes. Details will be most sppreciated!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      August 1, 2018 at 9:15 am

      Hi Sara – there are so many varieties of hydrangeas and I only offer tips on what I know and plant. Best of luck in finding out what you are searching for.

      Reply
  64. Linda

    August 8, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    My Hydrangea phantom is small and has not bloomed in three years. It used to a three years ago it wilted one summer and since then all I have are green leaves, not one bloom!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      August 9, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      Linda – I feel your pain! Harsh winters sometimes kill delicate spring buds and if that is the case, you won’t get any hydrangea blooms!

      Reply
  65. C Hervey

    August 21, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    I have a shooting star hydrangea that o bought in small pot at Whole Foods. It was in bloom and I couldn’t resist. I’ve since planted and fertilized according to websites I’ve read but it has never rebloomed.
    Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      August 26, 2018 at 11:08 am

      Supermarket flowers need a transition period so they can acclimate from indoors to outdoors which may be the reason yours isn’t blooming. It can also be spring frosts that damaged the buds or incorrect pruning. It could take a few years for the plant to get into an “outdoor schedule”.

      Reply
  66. Wanda

    August 23, 2018 at 10:16 am

    How do I know what kind of hydrangea I have if it was inherited with the place? It bloomed before but this year nothing. Just huge green leaves.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      August 26, 2018 at 11:04 am

      The shape of the leaves should give you an idea. Take a pic of it and clip some leaves and bring them to your local garden center. I’m sure they would be able to identify it.

      Reply
  67. Allie

    September 5, 2018 at 10:26 am

    I moved into a house with a beautiful blooming East facing Hydrangea. A very “helpful” sister in law cut it back for me one spring after I was cooped up with a new baby. That was 10 years ago and it has never been in full bloom since. I’ve been afraid to prune it any time of the year. Any suggestions on how to get those beautiful blooms back? The leaves are tall and lush just no flowers to speak of.

    Reply
  68. Nins

    October 10, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    How can I determine what kind of hydrangeas I have if I did not purchase.
    Your instructions and frustrations are appreciated!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      October 11, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      I would take a photo of your hydrangeas and even a clipping of a leaf to your local garden center to be sure

      Reply
  69. Cherri

    October 17, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    Kelly,

    When you prune Limelights in the fall, how far down do you cut them? To the ground? Do you cover them with leaves or anything? I live in Ohio so it gets pretty cold.

    Reply
  70. Mary Larvin

    December 30, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    Why not print the whole article instead of going to endless other websites. Very disappointing! No
    Real info. Just the regular info about mopjesds. How about oak leaf hydrangeas/ and limelight beautiful hydrangeas. You info doesn’t help.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      January 2, 2019 at 1:41 pm

      You’re welcome for the free information Mary. My links are to other articles on my site and people have found them very helpful. Have a great day.

      Reply
  71. Judy Tew

    February 17, 2019 at 3:19 pm

    Care for Hydrangeas and peonies.

    Reply
  72. Susi

    September 3, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    I really was afraid of getting my hydrangeas. What to do? Now thanks to you I not afraid anymore. Thanks for peace of mind.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      September 6, 2019 at 10:09 am

      glad to help with your hydrangeas!

      Reply
  73. Mary A Geissler

    September 10, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    I have found that for maximum bloom in northern states, be very careful around March/April, when things have begun to thaw a bit and the sun is out longer. The blooms deep down in the hydrangea are being triggered – and then, boom – a big sleety, snowy, icy rain storm. If that hits my hydrangeas at the right moment, I get very few if any blooms. the following summer. I have learned to wrap my bushes in just about anything that will keep the sleet off the branches – and my yard can look like a cyclone in a third world country with a patchwork of quilts, blankets and bags. The sleet storms seem to impact the Nikko blues more than the Pee Gee or any other kind. However, happy to report the Strawberry Hydrangeas survived beautifully with no wrapping – although, in a more protected spot.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      September 11, 2019 at 10:29 am

      I agree 100% Mary! Those spring frosts will do a number on hydrangeas and it happened to my Nikkos for years in a row! I’ve always been to lazy to cover them – I have so many!

      Reply
  74. Graciela Allen

    May 26, 2020 at 5:48 pm

    Hi, I have 2 hydrangeas in really big pots outside my deck. They are beautiful, so big and strong, but they are not blooming. They get a little bit of sun and plenty of indirect light. I got them last year and they were fine in the same spot. I live in Plano Texas. gracias

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      May 27, 2020 at 9:15 am

      Did you prune them Graciela? Could be a light issue.

      Reply
  75. Carol Morrow

    June 8, 2020 at 12:14 pm

    Are you taking about Snowball hydrangeas? I didnt think you could kill them even with an axe. I have bisected old plants and stuck the halves in dirt. They took off and bloomed in 2/3 years. Sometimes it got to 30 below in the winter. As long as they had nice green foliage I really didnt care if they ever bloomed. I hate it when they turn brown anyway.

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      June 9, 2020 at 10:29 am

      No Carol, I’ve never planted snowballs. These are just classic hydrangeas and the timing of pruning will determine whether they bloom.

      Reply
  76. Julia Cook

    October 15, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    Thanks hopefully my hydrangea will survive my son if he keeps talking about cutting it back

    Reply

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KELLY

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Join me as I decorate my 100 year old home, scour thrift stores, create pretty things, putter in my peony and hydrangea filled garden, and mix up a mean cocktail all with a touch of sarcasm and a side of bacon - Cheers!



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Love where you live by mixing high and low, new and old to create a home that shows off your personality. My mantra ... simple projects equals more time for cocktails!
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