It is a good word for PG hydrangea blooms, though.

I wondered that too, Ken, if they weren't next years's flowering branches. Which is why I asked. I think the entire plant is too big...out of proportion to the rest of the plants.

Haven't tried to submit photos to Houzz....may as well.....though I read the complaints all the time.

Marie

Much like you describe, my Fire Light put out one or two stray limbs (with foliage but no blooms) earlier this summer, each extending more than a foot beyond the rest of the plant's blooms and terminal foliage. I pruned them back to just inside the outer foliage a few weeks ago, and it's looking just fine since then.

H. paniculata form buds In the spring so no need to worry about tall branches being next year’s flowering branches. You can nip them back if needed Especially if those branches don’t have flowers while the rest is blooming. I would do as sah67 described.

Thanks just what I needed-the go ahead!

snip snip