Hydrangea Advice

[Freysimo]

We have three huge hydrangeas in garden, one a lacecap. They've suffered with the drought this year, never seen them like this in the 25 years we've been here. DH normally cuts back end of Feb but I'm wondering whether to do it next month given their condition. Leaves have perked up with recent rain but flowers obviously dead.

Best to leave them. Don’t cut them back now as it will add to their stress. Hydrangeas need a lot of water and suffer if it is dry but they can bounce back, as yours seem to be doing. It is best to leave the dead flowers on the bush to protect the new growth and prune them away in the Spring. We are set to have a very stormy Winter and you want the bushes to have a bit of extra insulation and protection.