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Hydrangea and flowering quince

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Karen Ballington, Feb 22, 2026.

  1. Karen Ballington

    Karen Ballington Apprentice Gardener

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    20260219_152826.jpg 20260219_152931.jpg I have just moved into a new property that has been empty for four years so the garden is obviously in a sorry state. I think I have inherited a hydrangea and a flowering quince (see photos and please correct me if I'm wrong) Is there any hope for them? I've just bought some secateurs so hoping I can bring them back from the dead Thank you
     
  2. Palustris

    Palustris Total Gardener

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    Well the Quince is still alive. Look below the old flower heads on the Hydrangea and there should, if it is alive, be small brownish buds. You prune back to them.
    With the Quince you may be as brutal as you wish.
     
  3. Karen Ballington

    Karen Ballington Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks very much I will check it tomorrow
     
  4. Thevictorian

    Thevictorian Total Gardener

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    The second picture is a cotoneaster, probably cotoneaster horizontalis. It looks fine and will burst into leaf soon.

    The first a mophead hydrangea and it's likely to be fine. The mop head part is important if you want flowers this year because they flower on the previous seasons growth. Normally you would just take the spent flowers off in spring but not cut back unless it needs it. Some take a third of the older stems out per year but I would read up on hydrangea macrophylla before any pruning.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Karen Ballington

      Karen Ballington Apprentice Gardener

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      I have just checked and found some green buds below the dead flower heads so should I be pruning to just above the buds? See photo attached. Thank you
       

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    • Thevictorian

      Thevictorian Total Gardener

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      If you are happy with the shape and size of the hydrangea then yes, you just snip the flowers above the fresh buds.
       
    • Karen Ballington

      Karen Ballington Apprentice Gardener

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      Thank you it's a sunny day so time to get the secateurs out
       
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