Marianne's Response
memphisbelle’s Question
I just bought a house in Lakewood, WA, having moved from Memphis. We have huge blue hydrangeas in front of the house. We would like to greatly reduce the size. When and how would be the best time and way to do this? We don’t mind losing one season of flowers to do this. Also, when and how should we propagate? My daughter would love a cutting to plant in her yard. Thanks!
Posted by Betty Poole on September 11, 2013
Marianne's Response
Your huge hydrangeas will always want to be huge - but you can prune them to within 3 feet of the ground in March and you will get only one or two blooms and a shorter shrub until the next year - then they will be huge again. Better to move them to a spot where they will fit and invest in the new \"Endless Summer\" hydrangeas that you can keep more compact with yearly spring pruning. You can take cuttings from hydrangeas in the spring or fall as they root easily in potting soil. Just cut a stem as thick and as long as a pencil and remove the leaves. Bury one node or leaf joint under the soil line and that is where the new roots will form. Or, just lay a branch on the ground and cover with compost. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
