Saving a hydrangea from winter damage
I have a large hydrangea that appears to have sustained significant damage from last winter's snow and ice. Most of the top branches seem to be dead (no green when I scrape), but from the ground to about 6" up, it is very green and leafy. Can I cut it the whole way back to the healthy growth without damaging the plant?
Answer
Hydrangeas were particularly damaged by this past severe winter. But yours is showing life! Yes, do cut back all of the dead branches to where they are putting out leafy growth. If your hydrangea is a mophead (Macrophylla), which develop buds on last year's growth, you will not have bloom this year, but it will bloom next year. If however, it is an oak leaf type (Quercifolia), it stands a good chance of blooming this year.