pruning hydrangeas

[JohnD]

I have been told that if you cut off last year's dead brown flower heads, it will not bloom this year because that's where the buds are.

is this true?

how should you remove the old heads, and how should you cut back to shape and size?

 

[Nerine]

I'm assuming these are mophead hydrangeas? If you look just below last year's dead heads, you should see new green buds forming, cut above a bud and you will get flowers this year. If any stems look dead cut them off right down to the ground, this will encourage new growth.

 

[kevindgas]

i find the best way to prune them is......



with a chainsaw at about 1/2" off the floor

as will probably gather i'm no fan!!!