Hydrangeas Cut to Ground in Late Fall on Cape Cod: Assessing Damage to ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Lacecap’

The Damage

• ‘Endless Summer’ (H. macrophylla) — blooms on old AND new wood. Cutting to 2 inches removes old-wood buds → fewer early flowers. New wood will still bloom mid-late summer.
• ‘Lacecap’ (H. macrophylla) — blooms primarily on old wood. Severe loss of 2024 flowers.

Recovery Steps

1. Do not fertilize now.
2. Mulch 3 inches after ground freezes.
3. In spring, remove only dead tips.
4. Water consistently next season.

Accountability

Contact the lawn company — they should replace plants that fail to bloom. Document with photos.

Resources

UMD Hydrangea Pruning Guide | Texas A&M Hydrangea Care