hydrangea not flowering and looks like it has rust

[tombates]

I have two Nikko Blue Hydrangea plants. I bought them in 2004. They did not flower this year? One of them looks like it might be suffering from rust. What should I do? Should I prune them during the fall?

Comment on any one or all. Mary

[Gary & Karen]

Do not prune the Hydrangea. You will cut off next years buds. They bloom on the previous years wood. This Hydrangea may not bloom in zone 5 or lower with out winter protection. Let us know what zone you live in and we can discuss winterizing. Good luck

Gary

[Jen]

I don't know about the rust. But you should prune after flowering, but only prune the stems that just flowered, you prune right down near the bottom.

Jen

[Vox Humana]

Mine need some protection in zone 6 or it won't bloom.