About fourteen years ago I planted ten hydrangea bushes of the broadleaf variety, I think. Over the last four years or so half of them have become stunted in size while the others seem to be growing just fine. They are all planted along the same back northern exposure with a garage about six feet or so behind the bushes which have become stunted. What can be the problem?
It sounds like you have a grub or nematode of some kind in the roots of the plants. On the stunted ones, try gently lifting the roots and examining them for unusual root growth (knobby or enlarged roots) which would indicate nematodes or grubs, worm-like pests that are normally brown or gray in color. These pests would cause that kind of growth.
I live in an area where the winters are very warm and we rarely have frost. My big-leaf hydrangeas bloom, but the blossoms are very sparse. The bushes are large and grow well; and I prune as I'm supposed to. Why do I not have more blooms? They were planted about 5 years ago.
If you have sparse blooms, it is most likely from a lack of sunlight or a lack of fertilizer. Have the soil tested and if the soil shows no deficiencies, consider ways to get the bush a little more light.
Plant is over ten years old and for several years has had few, small, dusty colored blooms. It is a mass of dry brittle sticks, and when I try to get in between the branches in spring to cut old ones down, I just cut myself on the wood. At one time it bloomed lovely large pink flowers. What should I do to have them again this year?
Those dry sticks have to come out. They are likely making it difficult for other stems to grow in properly.
Since it is not blooming well to begin with, I would recommend rejuvenation pruning. It should be done ASAP (it is suppose to be done in late winter or early spring). Rejuvenation is basically cutting the plant off a few inches above the ground. It likely will not bloom this year, but as you can use something heavier to remove those woody stems, it will get rid of the dead growth that is hurting the plant. The following years, it should return to its former glory.
I have a well established big leaved hydrangea in my yard (over 20 years old). This year there are small, white fuzzy spots on the lower stems and under the leaves. Not sure if they are larvae or fungus.
Your problem may be powdery mildew. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm
I have a border of hydrangea macrophylla that was over pruned last winter and is not currently in bloom. Deer ate 3 out of 9 severely. Can I cut back the 6 that the deer didn't eat now since they are not in bloom, or should I wait until September? And, is there any way to have them bloom again next year?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
My friend just brought me the above hydrangea in a pot wrapped with gift type wax paper. It is so sorry looking with lots of its leaves dried up and others wilting. It has about 4-5 dead flowers. I live in Las Vegas, NV and have a spot in my garden that gets morning sun and shade in afternoon. What should I do with dried leaves and flowers before I plant it? Is it okay to just pull them off and deadhead the flowers?
Yes, you can remove the dead growth and also the spent blooms.
I live in NH and it seems I've missed the date for pruning my Macro hydrangeas. It's now mid-November. What can I do to ensure spring blooms? There are still some flowers on them that I have not cut.
In the spring, cut off the dead wood on the shrub and you should be fine.