Limelight hydrangeas chewed over the winter by rabbits - Ask Extension
Hello,
My 12 beautiful limelight hydranges stems were chewed by rabbits over the winter. Should I cut them all of the way down below where they have...
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Limelight hydrangeas chewed over the winter by rabbits #929818
Asked April 27, 2026, 4:22 PM EDT
Hello,
My 12 beautiful limelight hydranges stems were chewed by rabbits over the winter. Should I cut them all of the way down below where they have been chewed?
Thanks
Cynthia Brady
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
The plants appear to be girdled so the stems above the girdling are dead, However, the roots and stems below the girdling are alive as you can see in my close up. Cut 1/4 inch below the girdled area if you can. Use very sharp pruning shears.
The plants appear to be girdled so the stems above the girdling are dead, However, the roots and stems below the girdling are alive as you can see in my close up. Cut 1/4 inch below the girdled area if you can. Use very sharp pruning shears.
thank you!
