Hydrangea Help! Pruning Problem.

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mollycat Manahawkin, NJ May 08, 2010

I recently hired a local landscaper to mulch and edge. Unfortunately he also took it upon himself to prune just about every plant in my yard, including every single one of my hydrangeas, which were finally starting to look established, and have just begun forming buds.

What were once large round bushes that bloomed all over are now very poorly shaped cylinders with buds only spared on top (thank goodness for those at least, or I'd have nothing blooming this year!). All of the new growth at the bottom was removed as well, all of which has me very worried (not to mention furious).

Has anyone experienced over-pruned hydrangeas before? I have a feeling that this year is a lost cause, but I'm also concerned about next year, since the nice round shapes of the plants were pretty much destroyed. (Did I mention I was furious?)

I also have a large peegee hydrangea that was really chopped up badly too, so I'm sure that is shot for the year and looks terrible, but will probably be OK next year (that thing grows like crazy). It's the mophead hydrangeas that I'm most worried about, and I'd appreciate any advice or experience anyone can pass on. Thanks!

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) May 08, 2010

They should grow back--just be patient. Depending on how bad it is it might take a couple years to get back to looking how you want, but they've still got plenty of time this year to put out some new growth.

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) May 08, 2010

Hope you got some $ back??? I would have been TICKED.

My dog "pruned" my hydrangea and I was worried about it, but it came back fine, yours should be too.

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mollycat Manahawkin, NJ May 09, 2010

Thanks for the replies, glad to hear others have seen them come back from improper pruning. I do hope there's more growth this year, even if it just helps the overall shape. I still can't believe the guy looked at what he did and thought yeah, that looks good! ???? I suspect your dog did a better job than him!

Did you fertilize them, or just let them come back on their own? I'm thinking a little boost at the end of the summer might help growth for next year.

He hasn't been paid yet, and if he's smart he will give me some sort of credit on the invoice because I can't see paying the full amount for bad work. I've used him for several years now and there have been a few little issues here and there, but nothing like this, so needless to say, I will not be hiring him ever again!

thanks for the replies! This looks to be a very helpful forum.

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) May 10, 2010

I don't fertilize them

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