WHEN DO I CUT BACK MY HYDRANGEAS? SOME OF THE OLD WOOD STEMS HAVE BUDS AND OTHERS DO NOT.

It depends! How’s that for an answer? Some hydrangeas, including oakleaf hydrangeas, flower only on old wood. Oakleaf hydrangeas should be planted in a spot where they have room to grow to their mature size to avoid pruning. Many of the newer varieties of panicle type hydrangeas, such as Berry White, flower on both old and new wood. For those hydrangeas, early spring is the best time of year to prune. My hydrangea pruning video shows how to prune and shares other tips.