How to deadhead a potted hydrangea (macrophylla)?

I have a store-bought macrophylla hydrangea (which I love!) and most of the blooms have died as summer is winding down. I've read that I am supposed to deadhead the spent blooms, but I'm not sure where exactly to cut. If I cut under a pair or two of leaves below the flowering part, won't I be left with a bunch of cut stems on my plant? Will they ever grow from those stems again or should I just cut the stems completely from the bottom? But then I wouldn't be left with much of a plant at all! There are a few new stems that haven't flowered yet this year but still, that isn't much if that's all that's left. I am new to growing hydrangeas and would appreciate any help anyone has to offer. Thanks!

How to deadhead a potted hydrangea (macrophylla)?
Dead flowerheads of mophead hydrangeas can be removed after flowering, but it is better to leave them on the plant over winter as they will provide some frost protection for the rather tender growth buds below them. Instead, remove the dead flowerheads in early spring, cutting back to the first strong, healthy pair of buds lower down the stem. You will know the buds I am shore,





If there is any frost damage in spring, prune back damaged shoots to just above the first undamaged pair of buds on live, healthy wood. Also remove any weak, straggly stems.
Reply:Yes, you would be left with a bunch of stems. But this would happen to one that is planted outdoors, too. I have a florist friend who says these potted plants may not grow outside.





Once you cut the stems, keep watering like always. Make sure you fertilize every other week, and give it part sun/part shade. Don't give it hot, afternoon sun. Good luck!
Reply:You don't need to deadhead a hydrangea. You can leave the flowers on -- they look very nice when dried. I did nothing to my hydrangea last year and this year it has more blooms than ever... My hydrangea is not potted, and it's probably approx. 20 years old, but I don't think it makes a difference. Just leave the stems, flowers, etc. If you deadhead the hydrangea you will be missing 1/2 of it's charm.