Here is a pruning article on hydrangea pruning from Fine Gardening.http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/how-to-prune-hydrangeas.aspx Looks like this link didn't work but here is a good video.http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/videos/pruning-hydrangea.aspx Just Google how to prune hydrangea.
Also here is a glossery of term. I think you need to determine what kind of shade you have.
http://www.greatplantpicks.org... This will give you a guide line.
