My hydrangeas look dead after the April freeze we had in the south, but there is new growth at the base.?

Should I trim off all the old bush and let the new bush take over? It killed all the new flowers that were coming and the leaves are all dead with the exception of some new, healthy growth.

My hydrangeas look dead after the April freeze we had in the south, but there is new growth at the base.?
Yes, if you notice new growth the plant is not dead. The folage has died but the root system is still alive. Trim all of the old and dead growth. Keep watered and in the sun and you will see wonderful growth again. Good Luck!
Reply:here is a link that can help with your pruning as well as tons of more info on hydrangeas








http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/prun...
Reply:I'd definitely trim away all the winter-kill; it's only good for harboring disease and insects once it's warm.
Reply:leave any new growth, it will bloom next year. Unfortunately, you may have lost any blooms for this year. I live in Zone 5 and work with many hydrangeas that took a big hit with that crazy late frost. Let the plant heal on it's own. it will come back fine. Do not prune any new growth this year, as hydrangeas bloom on second year growth. You'll probably have the most beautiful blooms next year. Patience my friend, patience.
Reply:Yes, absolutely. First rule of pruning, remove all the dead. The pruing will give renwed vigor to your plant after suffering from a freeze. You may not get any new blooms this year but this will revitalize your plant.
Reply:Definitely trim them down and let the new growth have room to spread. It would also be a good idea to put some Miracle Grow on them.
Reply:Mine took a hard hit in April as well but they are coming back nicely (I'm just south of Memphis). I even have a few blooms on the part of the plants that were directly against my house. I am waiting a few more weeks to trim those "dead" stalks since it seems they are coming back in slowly but surely. Now if I could just make my crepe myrtles come back as quickly.
Reply:Cut off the dead area above the new leaves and feed it acid food, it also likes coffee grounds and it will grown fine. Enjoy your new flowers.
Reply:Before you trim off anything scratch the plant to see if it is green on the inside. By all means trim off what is dead and keep what isn't.


Enjoy.
Reply:Let it go until all the new growth comes in. Then cut off the brown old growth.

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