Hydrangea pruning

[ladybarbara]

Hello. I have a large pink lace cap hydrangea, quite old, the stems are very woody. I've dead headed it but it seems to have only leaves on the tips of the branches. There are no nice fat buds. Should I cut it down to the ground? if so, when?

Thank you

[honkytonk]

you should only deadhead hydrangeas in the spring time,

[andyjevs]

As above...prune in spring....i'd cut about half the dead or old growth back. Leave the dead flowers on until spring as they provide frost protection for the buds below them. Try to keep hydrangeas moist at all times...they hate dry, and give a good feed once growth starts with a weekly watering of miracle grow Good luck