Hydrangea Always Has Very Few Blooms

Question From: Fowlerville, Michigan, United States
Q: I have a hydrangea, not sure what kind, I have had it for at least 10 years.. It has never had more than 1 bloom. A gardener friend of mine told me I was pruning it wrong. I was cutting it back when I saw new growth in the spring. This spring I did not prune at all thinking I was pruning the new forming buds. All the new growth is not on old wood. The plant looks very healthy but no buds, It is on the south side of my house, and I have clay soil. Can you help me PLEASE!

A: Replace the shrub, Bev. If you don't know what kind of Hydrangea you have, it's time to move on. Go to a an independent center and talk to the person in charge of shrubs. Do not, repeat, do not buy and Endless Summer. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy