When to Prune Hydrangeas [Timing by Variety]

Knowing when to prune your hydrangea can make all the remainder in how well they bloom and even how healthy and shapely the plants stay over time . Prune at the wrong minute , and you could unintentionally cut off next time of year ’s flowers . This friendly guide will walk you through the right timing for each type of hydrangea , so you could enjoy stronger , more vibrant blooming year after year .

Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

These bloom on old wood , meaning last year ’s stem . Prune right after bloom in summer , before new buds shape . Avoid tardy - time of year cut of meat to protect next year ’s blooms . Removing too much can also slim down the shrub ’s ability to photosynthesize . Keep an heart out for dead or damaged stems to snip by . Do n’t be afraid to shape lightly , avoid drastic stinger . Mulch after crop to protect rootage and retain wet .

Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Like bigleaf mixed bag , these salad days on onetime wood . Prune in summer , shortly after heyday fade . This gives the works time to set raw buds before fall . invalidate pruning in late fall or winter as this can lead to frost harm . Maintain a rounded shape to encourage air flow and fend off disease . Remove sucker at the base to keep push focused on flowering . onetime bow can be thinned out every few class .

Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

These rosiness on new wood , so they ’re more absolvitory . Prune to further full , goodish blooms before increment begins in late winter or early spring . Remove about a third of the oldest halt to rejuvenate the works . thin the center helps light and air reach out all parts . you could also shape it into a tree if desired . Use balanced fertilizer in give for best growth .

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)

Also blooming on new wood , these should be cut back hard in recent wintertime or early spring . You ’ll get larger blooms and a more compact shape . Do n’t interest if it looks drastic ; these are sturdy plant . obviate cut during frost full stop . Water deep after pruning to support new ontogeny . Adding compost helps fuel flower growth .

Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata)

These conduct like bigleaf hydrangea , blossom on old forest . Prune justly after flowering , and do n’t delay ; late pruning risk remove next year ’s buds . Trim only thinly to determine and remove spent flowers . In colder climates , protect bud with mulch or gunny . fecundate after pruning with a bloom - boosting formula . look out for signs of mold and remove affected leaves .

Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

These slow grower bloom on old wood . Light dress properly after bloom is best , mainly to work and take away dead stems . Avoid hard cuts that could slow their already gradual growth . Regularly check off for shoots uprise away from support . Train vine along trellises or walls . These works may take a few geezerhood to flower systematically .

Japanese Hydrangea (Hydrangea involucrata)

This less vulgar assortment blooms on new woods . Prune in early spring before growth starts to encourage salubrious stem turn and fuller flowers . Watch out for frost - damaged branches . This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil . Do n’t allow it dry out in summer . Mulching helps regulate temperature and moisture .

Rough-Leaved Hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera)

blossom on old Sir Henry Wood , this eccentric should be rationalize right after flowering . Avoid heavy cut ; just mould and remove dead or weak stems . They benefit from thinning to better air flow . Protect from strong wind to avoid offshoot breakage . They do best in mottled light . Add compost annually to improve soil .

Himalayan Hydrangea (Hydrangea heteromalla)

Blooms on old wood . Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove drained Natalie Wood , but avoid unvoiced pruning . It prefers a woodland plant with rich territory . guarantee good drainage to foreclose root rot . Leave some older halt to back the social system . apply garden tie-up to support taller stems .

Silverleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea radiata)

Closely related to smooth hydrangea , this type flush on new wood . Prune in late winter to boost invigorated growth and big blooms . Its silvery leafage underside supply visual pastime . Use this trait in shaded garden for demarcation . fecundate lightly to deflect excessive foliage . Watch for aphids and remove them right away .

Chilean Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea serratifolia)

A climbing mintage blooming on old wood . Prune sparingly properly after bloom , focusing on defining and cutting . debar turn out into thick root . Train it carefully to grow on vertical supports . Clear any damaged or fray branches . behind - growing , so patience is key .

Hairy Hydrangea (Hydrangea villosa)

This variety blush on old wood . Christ Within pruning after flowering helps maintain shape while continue future blooms . It has fuzzy leaves and elegant lace - ceiling heyday . Prune to keep the plant airy and tidy . Avoid obtuse increment , which may trap moisture . Feed in early leaping with compost or balanced plant food .

Reblooming Hydrangeas

These bloom on erstwhile and new wood . Deadhead and build softly after the first bloom in summer . you may also cut again in early spring to encourage more flowers . forefend cutting below the green bud . This type needs consistent watering to expand . Remove weak or spindly stem to upgrade speciality . They benefit from unconstipated feeding during the time of year .

Signs You’re Pruning at the Wrong Time

No blush ? That ’s the biggest clue . You likely rationalise off prime buds if you pruned a hydrangea that blooms on old wood in fall or saltation . adapt your timing next season . look on how your plant responds and take notes . Track flowering design through the class . Learn from the industrial plant ’s behavior and adjust care accordingly .

Why Timing Matters

Pruning at the correct time helps hydrangea concentrate energy on bloom and produce tidy . It also prevents damage from winter exposure or stress . Plants want recovery prison term after rationalize . Late pruning can leave them vulnerable to cold snaps . Pruning too too soon may ask in fungous problem . Each cut affects the plant ’s succeeding energy use .

How to Prune Safely

practice clean , sharp shear . Cut just above a folio node . take away dead or traverse branches . Do n’t overdo it ; less is more . Disinfect tools between plants . Wear glove for safety and comfort . Dispose of debris to prevent disease spread . Observe how your industrial plant reacts to trimming .

What If You’re Unsure of the Variety?

recreate it dependable . Wait until after flowering to prune . Observe bloom sentence and stem type to ID your hydrangea over time . Ask local garden center for help . Take photos through the seasons to pass over changes . Avoid harsh pruning until you ’re confident . Keep a gardening journal for reference point .

Match Pruning Time to Hydrangea Type

The right clock time to prune hydrangea that flower on old wood is right after they end flower . If your plant blooms on new wood , wait until late winter or early spring to trim , just before novel growing begins . In cases where you ’re unsure of the variety , it ’s safest to hold off until the flower have faded and then prune lightly to avoid remove next twelvemonth ’s bud . right timing insure that your hydrangeas can producevibrant , plentiful bloomsin the next time of year .