To trim or not to trim?

[patfromnc]

Here in NC we had some early warm weather followed by an Easter freeze that destroyed the leafy growth that was just starting to take off. Now almost two months later, I have one hydrangea that shows signs that it is recovering quicker than the other two, although I doubt it will bloom this year. My question is this: On the two that are showing slow growth, it appears that the long stems(?) may be dead - they appear brittle. The only growth is a small amount of leaves at the base of each plant. Will I damage them if I cut back the brittle stems now?

[Jess]

No you won't damage them if you cut them back. They will sprout up quite happily from the base. It is the plants way of dealing with the late freeze.

[Celestine Nicolas]

I have a Hydrangea Paniculata which is becoming huge after we cut it quite far back in the early spring. Some of the shoots don't have flower buds (yet). Would it be all right to cut these all the way back to the stem in midsummer?
At this point I'm not sure whether the buds form on new shoots or year old ones.
Celestine

[Jess]

Hi

Check this site. Has detailed info on how to prune paniculatas.

hydrangeashydrangeas.com/pruning.html

[sungirl]

If you are wanting to start new hydrangeas you can also cut branches with new buds on them and replant in another area that needs colour. You can use root powder if you like and I have saved and sprinkled coffee grounds around the base for added nitrogen. It may take a couple of years but it's fun to start them.

[Celestine Nicolas]

Thanks for the various information on Paniculata. It looks like I can do pretty much what I want. But may have to replant it next winter. Wouldn't know where to put it though!
Celestine