If your hydrangea macrophylla looks like this right now, you have a problem!

One question that comes up frequently, “ When am I supposed to cut back my big leaf hydrangea? ” Which is usually followed by “It gets big and looks healthy but why doesn’t it bloom?”

Before we get to the answers, let’s start with what your hydrangea should look like right now in zone 5:

Here we’ve got alive branches with leaf and flower buds ready to go. Compared to the hydrangea in the first picture, it’s now obvious that there is no life in those branches.

Answer #1

Hydrangea macrophylla should not be cut back except to remove dead wood.

Answer #2s

If all of your branches look like the first picture, all of the flower buds are dying over the winter which is why you are missing out on a gorgeous hydrangea flower display.

The Answer:

Replace hydrangea with a cold tolerant variety. Look for Hydrangea Macrophylla Endless Summer which is hardy to zone 4.

Go with a Hydrangea arborescens, the smooth hydrangea. While you won’t get the brilliant colors that the big leaf is known for, you will not be disappointed with a fool-proof flower display every season. They bloom on new wood only and some varieties are hardy down to zone 3.

Find a new home for your bigleaf hydrangea. Look for a sheltered warmer microclimate in the part shade on your property to transplant the hydrangea and give it another go.

Hydrangea