Hydrangeas dead?

Question

I have 3 hydrangeas–one of unknown variety as it was here when purchased home and 2 nikko blues that I planted. Unknown is in area that has become shaded over time but gets afternoon sun; nikko blues get sun all morning. I have deer problems and they have feasted. I tried pruning just below where deer ate but they do not seem to be recovering for past 2 years. What can I do to resurrect them or must give up? I try spraying them with repellant and fencing in winter. Unknown is shown in photo but nikko blues look same.

Answer 1

Prune back all the dead material and see if the plant can recover from the root.
These articles have more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-winter-care-how-to-protect-hydrangeas-from-winter-cold-and-wind.htm

Answer 2

Dear downtoearthdigs, I had read the articles you mentioned previously. When I did the pruning, it was at the end of the season before winter and I took care to remove dead canes and leave live ones. They just haven’t come back. I will try cutting to the ground. These were beautiful for years before the deer damage.

Answer 3

I cut back one to the ground and it grew nearly a foot in one week, so I cut the others back as well. They all grew back completely and I even got a few blooms on the Nikko blues! Thanks for the suggestion!