Want more blooms on your hydrangeas?
Pruning is the key.
Knowing when and how to prune makes all the difference.
Get ready to learn the best tips to make your hydrangeas flourish.
Let’s get pruning!
Know Your Hydrangea Type
First things first, you gotta know what kind of hydrangea you have. There are several types, and they all have different pruning needs.
Common varieties include:
- Bigleaf (macrophylla)
- Peegee (paniculata)
- Oakleaf (quercifolia)
- Smooth (arborescens)
Grab a garden book or use Google to figure out which type you’re dealing with. It’ll make everything else so much easier!
Prune Bigleaf Hydrangeas After They Bloom
Bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, which basically means last year’s growth. So, the best time to prune them is right after they finish blooming in the summer.
Cut back any dead wood and shape the plant. But don’t get too carried away, or you’ll risk chopping off next year’s buds!
Peegee Hydrangeas Need Pruning In Late Winter
Peegee hydrangeas are more forgiving. They bloom on new wood, so you can prune them in late winter or early spring.
Grab those shears and cut them back hard if you want. They’ll reward you with gorgeous blooms no matter what.
Trim Oakleaf Hydrangeas After They Bloom
Oakleaf hydrangeas also bloom on old wood. So, like Bigleaf hydrangeas, they should be pruned right after they’re done flowering.
Just focus on removing dead or damaged branches to keep your plant looking its best. And, of course, a little shaping won’t hurt!
Smooth Hydrangeas Can Be Cut To The Ground
Smooth hydrangeas are super easygoing. You can cut them back to the ground in late winter or early spring, and they’ll still bloom beautifully on new wood.
This type is perfect if you want to give your hydrangea a total makeover.
What Tools Do You Need?
You don’t need anything fancy to prune your hydrangeas. A good pair of pruning shears and maybe a pair of gloves will do the trick.
For thicker branches, a lopper might come in handy. Remember to clean your tools before you start to prevent spreading any plant diseases.
Don’t Forget Mulch and Water!
After you’ve done your pruning, give your hydrangeas a little TLC. Add a layer of mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and cool.
And don’t forget to water them well! Both these steps help your hydrangeas recover and get ready to put on a spectacular show of flowers.