Don't cut them back, deadhead if you must but be very careful or you could damage next years buds.

I have to disagree with MG on this one. Leave the deadheads on as they give some protection to the new buds. What I do agree with her on is not to cut them back, especially at this time of year.

Leave them severely alone, otherwise we'll all be answering your question next year "Why didn't my hydrangeas flower this year?"

Yes, just leave them to get through winter as they are. Once all fear of frost is over in spring, you can see what's what and prune back this year's flowered stems then.

Unless, that is, your hydrangea is the variety paniculata, which can be cut down at this time of year and will still flower next year.

Bamboo - I've had a few hydrangeas for a few years which have never flowered, never cut them back - I put it down to them being severely frosted each winter and in fact have been lucky to survive at all, dont know the variety as cuttings from my Mum. From what you've said about Paniculata - do you think this would be a better variety for someone like me living in a frost pocket.

Certainly worth a try, dawnsaunt, but bear in mind their flower form is somewhat different. I prefer them myself.

Thanks Bamboo, I'll take a look at them to see if I can find a nice variety.