I have a large shady area on the north side of my house that I would like to fill with color. I currently have Elephant ears, Plumeria, a Ponytail Palm and a Poinsettia plant growing there. I would love to add in 2-3 different colors of hydrangea. Is it ok to buy them in pots and transplant or should I start them from seed?
Yes, it is fine (and probably better) to use container-grown plants. They are easy to transplant and will take much less time to enjoy.
Is it ok to prune hydrangea in spring? What is procedure for pruning hydrangeas?
This article should help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
Planted several hydrangea (mac, amethyst) last spring. This spring, there are new shoots forming at grade level but all last year's shoots appear to be dead. Is it appropriate to cut back last year's growth on this plant?
The following article should be of some help to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
Is mushroom compost okay to use (about 2 inches deep) around hydrangeas? Should I lightly add 10/10/10? I live in Indiana, and the garden faces east with morning and early afternoon sun.
Mushroom compost is suitable for most garden plants. To get the greatest results when using mushroom compost, thoroughly mix it in with the garden soil prior to planting or allow it to sit over winter and apply in spring.
I love your knowledge on plants of all kinds. When I need to know, I go to your section and find out how. I would like to know how I should prune my hydrangea in winter. I live in Rio Rancho, NM.
The following articles should be of some help to you:
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
I cut my dead hydrangea bushes to the ground, not understanding the proper pruning of hydrangeas. Have I ruined them forever? I see a few green leaves. What is the prognosis?
They will grow back fine, but you will most likely not see blooming this year. Next year it will bloom fine.
I live in Greensboro, NC and am selling my house. I have four hydrangea plants that I want to take with me. The oldest is over 10 years old and the newest about 4 years. What month should I move them, and will they survive in Highland, NC (mountain area)?
It is hard to say if they will survive in the new location. Most likely they will, but I would need to know the variety to say for certain. In terms of moving them, the 10 year old plant would probably not make the move, but the 4 year old plant might. You run the risk of losing the plants if they are large, as larger plants are more susceptible to transplant shock. I would recommend taking cuttings, regardless if you move them or not. That way if they die when moved, you will still have their offspring to plant. This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-propagation.htm