Question From: Charter Township of Clinton, Michigan, United States
Q: The rain this summer has made my hydrangeas grow out of control. The blooms are hidden because they are so bushy. Is it ok to cut them back, and if so, how and when is the best time?
A: If they bloom pink or blue cut them back when the blooms fade. They begin to set next year's blossoms at the end of August. Same goes with Oakleafs. Others can be cut in late winter or early spring. You can cut them back as much as you want. Happy Yardening, Nancy
Q: Thank you, Nancy. Does that mean you can cut the actual stalks on which the blooms are growing? Also, I have a smaller pink hydrangea that developed brown spots all over the leaves. I called a nursery and they said it was a fungus from all the rain. They said to spray it with a fungicide like daconil. I used Garden Safe fungicide which is not a chemical. Do you know if it is as effective as something like daconil?
A: I can't answer that question, but I agree with your choice. Do repeat spraying every 7 to 10 days until frost. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
