By Joanairey
Middlesex,
United Kingdom 
Over pruning? I take care of two large, established hydrangeas in the grounds where I live. One is a Lace Cap and the other a Mop Head.
They are usually full of big blooms by now but not a one in sight! I am wondering if I over pruned them at the end of last season. Apart from this, they look very healthy and I am giving them a lot of water.
Do you think the blooms will return if I don't prune them at the end of this season? Any advice as to how to return them to their former glory would be much appreciated.
16 Jul, 2022
Answers
One reason for leaving the pruning until early Spring is to protect the buds by leaving a little wood above them. When danger of frost is over you can then tip them back as Eileen says.
16 Jul, 2022
Thanks, both of you for your pearls of wisdom! I will definitely leave them be at the end of this season. As I say, otherwise they both look very healthy.
18 Jul, 2022
yes. They flower on last years wood. So next spring only remove any dead/heavily frosted buds. Give them plenty of water [water company allowing that is!] and perhaps a light feed.
16 Jul, 2022