oak leaf hydrangea.

Question

been in the ground about 6 years and been beautiful. now it’s a bit leggy
And it’s just filling out from winter but looking leggy and what about
all the shoots coming up from the ground. Should I cut them of or leave alone?
I started with one bush and now have 2 bushes. Also, Im still confused about
pruning. some say leave it alone and others say cut old wood. i’m not sure what is old wood.
Love an answer. Thank you.

Answer 1

Don't cut the new shoots - this is how the plant regenerates itself. Remove any older stems smaller than a pencil, but if you remove all the old wood you may not get flowers this year. When a shrub blooms on old wood it just means the flower buds are formed during the previous season. Here's a helpful article:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/care-for-oakleaf-hydrangea.htm