We’ve Had A Hydrangea For At Least 25 Years That Has Only Bloomed Twice. WHY?

Question

We have done everything that we’ve been told, prune, wrap, feed. It did bloom twice, a tree fell on it one time, and the 2nd time, had 2 blooms completely under the plant. It is not for lack of health, the shrub grows perfectly, some years, it is 5-6′ tall, and a healthy deep green. We are located about 35 mi SW of Chicago, I’ve consulted U of I Co-operative extension office here, and no luck…What is wrong with us?

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Answer 1

You may be pruning at the wrong time. This looks like a mophead or H. macrophylla and they are pruned after flowering because they bloom on old wood (the previous season's growth). If you are pruning anytime after mid summer you are cutting off next year's flower buds. It's also possible the buds are winter killed each year.

Here are other possibilities:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm

https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-03-10-how-properly-prune-hydrangeas

Since you have had the shrub more than 25 years, I suggest removing it and replacing it with a panicle hydrangea which blooms on new growth.