I just moved here in June and have never lived with a hydrangea. The blossoms were beautiful and very blue. I cut a couple of dozen for friends and the shrub still seemed overloaded.

Now the blossoms have faded and the stems are sprouting new growth and I don't know whether to cut off all the blossoms and what to do about the sprouts. I would love to start some in pots to give to friends.

One friend says I should start cutting right away and another says wait until the last of the hot weather because the old blossoms are shading the new growth and protecting it from sunburn.

It's cool now but here in Northern California (Sebastopol) we generally endure scorching weather in October. The plant gets afternoon sun.

Should I wait to manicure it or should I get busy with the pruners? I'm pretty sure I shouldn't use the anvil cutters (if that's what they're called).

Should I dose it with the aluminum stuff right now or should I wait until it's all trimmed or until the rains come or...?

I love the thing. I should be xeriscaping to be PC here in West County but it is a gorgeous plant and I LOVE squirting things with the hose.

Any tips will be deeply appreciated.