When is the time to prune snowball hydrangeas?

In the northeast USA...
When is the time to prune snowball hydrangeas?
If you must prune do it right after they finish blooming. I do mine for the cuttings mainly and then replant. I noe have a HUGE display and all for free !!!
Reply:Interesting ...



According to Huntree Nursery in Michigan:



http://www.huntree.com/hydrangeacare



"They MUST NOT BE TRIMMED unless absolutely necessary. Purchase a hydrangea to fit the spot. If you find that it gets too big, move it or prune very lightly. Those sticks you have to endure all winter are going to produce the flowers. If you remove these sticks, you remove the flowers. If you have a great need for a tidy look, don't plant Bigleaf Hydrangeas!"



And this site confirmed it along with giving pruning help for if pruning would be necessary:



http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/prun...



*~ Good luck 'n happy gardening ~*
Reply:I also live in Michigan and I LIGHTLY prune mine if at all in the late summer early fall but at least 3 weeks before the first frost and I have always had beautiful flowers!

Hope this helps!
Reply:Prune after there are no more flower buds and the plant looks like it is going into dormancy. Once you prune and it wakes is should look good as new!
Reply:after they've finished blooming.....