Hydrangea hard pruned by "helpful" neighbour

Are there any green buds left at the base of the Hydrangea? If so, yes, it will sprout again, and after all, most Hydrangeas do need a hard prune! I would give it a feed - blood, fish and bone - and see what happens.

My husband cut a Hydrangea as far back as that when we were selling our house, to 'tidy it up' and it is just as big again now after 2 years!

Take comfort from that, and fingers crossed for yours.

Dear Spritzhenry,
There are no buds visible. He has hacked it badly. It was not a large plant but has delicately graced my garden for over 10 years. The spirals were about 5" long with lots of tiny flowers, rather than the more robust ones I've seen elsewhere. I haven't found any similar looking plants on the internet, the leaves don't seem quite the same. I think my mother bought it from a National Trust garden. Do you have any idea where I could find another? I have large quantities of well rotted horse manure - shall I put some round the poor stump?

I'd probably pop some of it round the stump for some TLC but why on earth would your neighbour do this! I hope you had words!

A good question. He was trying to help me, but has destroyed not only my hydrangea but several other plants and also dug up all the bulbs and perennials in two beds! He thought he'd done a splendid job and was surprised to see me so upset. Then he suggested I might like to pay him.... Never again!

Some neighbour!!!!!

Oh dear - obviously NOT a gardener!! Unbelievable.

I have just checked in my RHS Plantfinder and firstly it says that H quercifolia is 'widely available', but particular cultivars are listed in many Nurseries. I don't know where you are in the country and which particular one you had, so may I suggest that you tell me where in the country you are, and I will send you a list of your nearest suppliers via a Private Message. If you have any other details about it, that would help - or you can just ring the Nursery and give them the details.

You are very kind. Thank you. I have a photo of it somewhere and will post it. No idea whereabouts it came from, possibly Warwickshire.

Is that the area where you are?

no, I'm in Derbyshire, near Matlock

You may be lucky as an hydrangea that i ran over with the lawn mower [i'm still emotionally scarred] produced new shoots from soil level. hubby wont allow me to cut the grass now. I damaged the blades!
so sorry to hear about the neighbour. I hope he feels bad but remains on good terms with you.

OK, we are just going to eat, then 'll end you a list of Nurseries (hopefully) in your area to try. This will be by Private Message, so look in your inbox later on.

Hi again - click on your name and that will take you back to your page. You will find your inbox as a tab on the green bar. It's easy when you know how!