The stems of some hydrangeas will sometimes dry out and die during the winter months. When Spring leaf out time arrives, new growth from the bottom produces new stems. The old dried-out stems can be pruned by mid-to-late May. If they were ever going to leaf out, they should have done so by then.

If unsure that a stem is dead or if you have one that is partially dead/alive, you can always start pruning the stem from the top downwards in 1/2 inch increments and stop either when you get to the bottom or when you see green.

You can leave alone any stems that have fully leafed out.

Luis

Thank you, Luis. I appreciate your prompt reply. Last year my hydrangeas were so beautiful and I don`t remember there being so many sticks. We did not have an unusually bad winter, but I will get right on this!! Thanks again. Lesley