Help My Hydrangea?

Q: I moved into a house with an established garden. It has plants and flowers that I have always wanted; hydrangea, lavender, roses, lemon trees, orange trees, etc. Unfortunately, the hydrangea and roses have not been cared for. The hydrangea has very little leaves and flowers. In the middle it has branches that look dead.

I have removed most of the dead branches which pulled out effortlessly, but now the plant has a gap on the inside and the sides are leaning apart from each other. It looks hideous and I don't know what to do. I spoke to the neighbor , she said the hydrangea was so beautiful and full of flowers before. I don't want to lose it. I am looking for advice on how to get it back to it's beauty.

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Beachers from West Covina, CA

A: Beachers,

Don't worry about losing your hydrangea. If yours has been recently neglected, then removing the dead, twiggy branches is bound to open up some bare spots. The good news is that returning them to a regular trimming schedule will encourage them to fill in with new growth and bring back big those blooms.

To determine when to prune, you will need to determine what type of hydrangea you have. Hydrangea either blooms on "old" wood or "new" wood. Ask neighbors or a nearby nursery to help you with identification. Hydrangea that blooms on old wood should be pruned only after they bloom in the summer, because next year's buds form on this year's growth.

Hydrangea that blooms on new growth can be pruned to within 6-12 inches from the ground in the early spring. No matter which type you have, you can begin to reinvigorate plants by cutting 1/3 of the branches to the ground in the summer.

Most hydrangeas prefer rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist. To give them a boost, apply compost mixed with well-rotted manure or a balanced slow release fertilizer to the drip line of the bushes twice per year during the growing season. Remember, it may take a little time and patience, but your hydrangeas will eventually come back.

Ellen