Understanding Hydrangea macrophylla: A Practical Guide to Pruning, Watering & Troubleshooting

This two-page garden care guide was created from years of hands-on horticultural experience caring for Hydrangea macrophylla on Cape Cod and Nantucket.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• when to prune for size reduction
• when to perform dormant-season structural cleanup
• how to properly remove old dead canes
• how to water for healthy root growth
• when summer wilting is normal and when it signals a problem
• common reasons hydrangeas fail to bloom
• why plant placement and mature size matter

The guide also includes a personal Field Note from Nantucket, drawn from real winter pruning experience.

Designed for homeowners and gardeners who want practical, trustworthy horticultural guidance without the fluff.