Is it the heat?

[Linda C]

Not long had these hydrangeas but with all the heat not sure if it’s that or time to prune them ? Any info appreciated

 

[DiggersJo]

A lot depends what you have bought. Those from the big stores (like M&S) have been bred to "bloom & bust" and rarely have I seen them survive for long. Others last for years, we left one in our old house garden we had for over 20 years. Look after it in terms of water and growing medium/space. Pruning depends on the type, your picture indicates its the type that hard pruning will lose next years buds. Fine to do if its shape you want and happy to miss a years flowers (I often do part) . At the moment it looks like it is still in flower, I would wait.

 

[Linda C]

A lot depends what you have bought. Those from the big stores (like M&S) have been bred to "bloom & bust" and rarely have I seen them survive for long. Others last for years, we left one in our old house garden we had for over 20 years. Look after it in terms of water and growing medium/space. Pruning depends on the type, your picture indicates its the type that hard pruning will lose next years buds. Fine to do if its shape you want and happy to miss a years flowers (I often do part) . At the moment it looks like it is still in flower, I would wait.

Thanks, it’s from a large reputable garden centre I often use. I’ve never had this type before usually mop heads

 

[DiggersJo]

AI has it as Hydrangea macrophylla , if it is it flowers on the old wood.

 

[roadrunner]

Maybe the picture is deceptive, but that ground looks hardpacked and deficient of organic matter. I don't know everything about that area from the pic, but it looks like it needs a heavy layer of organic matter (NOT store-bought woodchips) for a mulch to feed the soil organisms that in turn feed the plant.