When is the best time to prune a hydrangea bush, and how much should it be cut back?

Here are a couple of sites that discuss hydrangeas and pruning:

http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/pruning.html

http://www.conweb.com/hydrangea/instructions1.shtml

Hope this helps!

How did you manage to get these to grow to even need pruning? I have planted several and had no luck with them at all. Most of the yard is fairly shady. What did I do wrong?

I can't really help you, Wildflower63, as I didn't plant them. They were well established when I moved to this house.

They are in a fairly shady spot, just getting a little sun in the morning. Perhaps it is your soil type that is wrong?

That could be. I haven't had my soil tested. Some things seem to thrive and others just don't make it. The soil has to be the reason.

Hydrangeas need an acidic soil. This site tells you more.

http://www.botany.com/hydrangea.html

Check this one too.



Hydrangea Soil Conditions

Fall. When they are going to sleep.

I did so last year and this spring they are putting out a lot of new green leaves.

David

Hmmmm!

I lop off the deadheads in the
nearing of spring! I pruned and
lopped the heads about 3 weeks
ago, and do the same each year.

I've had people admiring my
hyrangeas every year. So I must
be doing something right!!