Why Hydrangea Didn't Bloom After Hard Pruning

My 3-year-old hydrangea had only 8 flowers this year. I cut it back hard last year—it grew large but didn't bloom. Why?

You Pruned Off the Flower Buds

Most hydrangeas (macrophylla, serrata, quercifolia) bloom on old wood—buds form in late summer for next year. Hard pruning in fall/winter/early spring removes them.

Correct Pruning Approach

• When: Late winter/early spring, only after danger of hard freeze.
• How much: Remove ≤⅓ of oldest stems at ground level.
• Technique: Cut to a pair of fat, healthy buds.
• Deadhead spent blooms in summer.

Recovery

This year's vegetative growth sets next year's flowers. Do not prune hard this year. Light shaping only. Expect a strong bloom next summer.