Q.How To Save Hydrangea Bushes Totally Decimated By Deer This Past Winter?
I have a train of hydrangeas that have spread from one down the line. They’ve always been the pride of my garden. In the past 30+ years they’ve been here (Upton, MA) the deer have nibbled at them during the winter. This year however, they’ve completely denuded the lower branches of the tallest and have totally stripped the smaller plants. I don’t know what to do to save them. Some people have told me to cut the bushes down to 1 or 2 feet from the ground and fertilize them throughout the spring and summer? Can they be saved. Not only were they beautiful, but also have sentimental value.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You could do the rejuvenation pruning and cut them to the ground. If those hydrangeas bloom on old wood, you won't get blooms this year. Skip the fertilizer so they can recover. Hydrangeas need little to no fertilizer.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/rejuvenation-pruning-tips.htm
