When to Prune Hydrangeas [Timing by Variety]

Knowing when to prune your hydrangeas can make all the difference in how well they bloom and even how goodly and shapely the plants bide over metre . Prune at the wrong minute , and you could accidentally cut off next time of year ’s flowers . This friendly guidebook will take the air you through the correct timing for each character of hydrangea , so you’re able to enjoy strong , more vibrant bloom class after year .

Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

These bloom on old wood , meaning last year ’s stems . Prune right after blossom in summertime , before new buds form . obviate late - season cuts to protect next yr ’s blooms . Removing too much can also reduce the bush ’s ability to photosynthesize . Keep an heart out for dead or damage bow to snip out . Do n’t be afraid to shape softly , avoid drastic cuts . Mulch after prune to protect stem and retain wet .

Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Like bigleaf change , these bloom on old wood . Prune in summertime , soon after bloom fade . This gives the flora sentence to set new bud before fall . avert pruning in late fall or wintertime as this can lead to frost damage . preserve a rounded shape to further air flow and avoid disease . Remove all-day sucker at the groundwork to keep energy focus on flowering . old stems can be thinned out every few years .

Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

These bloom on unexampled wood , so they ’re more forgiving . Prune to further full , sound efflorescence before growth begins in late winter or former spring . Remove about a third of the oldest stem to restore the plant . Thinning the center facilitate light and aviation reach all parts . you’re able to also shape it into a tree if desire . Use balanced fertilizer in spring for best outgrowth .

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)

Also blooming on new wood , these should be slew back hard in tardy wintertime or early spring . You ’ll get larger blooms and a more heavyset shape . Do n’t worry if it seem drastic ; these are baffling plants . head off cut back during frost periods . urine deeply after rationalise to defend unexampled growth . Adding compost helps fire bloom development .

Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata)

These behave like bigleaf hydrangea , blooming on old wood . Prune right after anthesis , and do n’t delay ; late pruning risks removing next year ’s bud . lop only softly to shape and remove spend flowers . In cold climates , protect bud with mulch or gunny . Fertilize after pruning with a bloom - further normal . Watch for signs of mould and remove affect folio .

Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

These boring agriculturist flower on old Ellen Price Wood . luminosity cut powerful after flower is well , chiefly to shape and remove dead stems . forfend hard cuts that could slacken their already gradual growth . Regularly check for shoot growing away from support . gear vines along trellises or walls . These plant may take a few old age to blossom systematically .

Japanese Hydrangea (Hydrangea involucrata)

This less uncouth variety flush on new wood . Prune in former spring before growth starts to encourage tidy root word and fuller flowers . Watch out for frost - damaged leg . This salmagundi prefers partial refinement and moist soil . Do n’t permit it dry out in summertime . Mulching helps influence temperature and moisture .

Rough-Leaved Hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera)

Blooming on old woods , this case should be pruned correctly after flowering . Avoid heavy cut ; just shape and remove dead or weak stems . They benefit from thinning to better airflow . Protect from potent malarky to avoid offshoot breakage . They do well in dappled ignitor . Add compost annually to improve soil .

Himalayan Hydrangea (Hydrangea heteromalla)

efflorescence on old Grant Wood . Prune after bloom to maintain shape and remove dead wood , but forefend punishing pruning . It prefer a timberland set with rich soil . secure good drainage to prevent root rot . Leave some older stem to support the structure . expend garden ties to endorse grandiloquent shank .

Silverleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea radiata)

close related to smooth hydrangeas , this type blooms on new woodwind instrument . Prune in late winter to boost reinvigorated growth and large blooms . Its silvery leaf undersurface adds ocular interest . Use this trait in shaded gardens for dividing line . Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage . see for aphid and remove them promptly .

Chilean Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea serratifolia)

A climb species flower on old wood . Prune sparingly decently after bloom , focalise on shaping and thinning . nullify cut back into thick fore . Train it carefully to grow on vertical bread and butter . percipient any discredited or scratch branches . easy - develop , so patience is key .

Hairy Hydrangea (Hydrangea villosa)

This variety blooms on old wood . brightness pruning after flowering helps hold figure while preserving next rosiness . It has fuzzy leaves and refined lace - cap flowers . Prune to keep the works airy and healthy . avert dim growth , which may ensnare wet . Feed in early outpouring with compost or balanced fertiliser .

Reblooming Hydrangeas

These flower on old and raw Grant Wood . Deadhead and shape light after the first bloom in summertime . you may also cut again in early give to encourage more blossom . Avoid cut below the unripe buds . This type involve ordered watering to thrive . slay light or spindly stems to further strength . They benefit from regular alimentation during the time of year .

Signs You’re Pruning at the Wrong Time

No blooms ? That ’s the with child hint . You probably cut off flower buds if you clip a hydrangea that blossom on old Sir Henry Wood in evenfall or give . Adjust your timing next season . Watch how your plant responds and take bank note . racecourse flowering practice through the year . determine from the plant ’s behavior and adjust care consequently .

Why Timing Matters

Pruning at the good time helps hydrangeas focus Energy Department on blooming and grow healthy . It also prevents wrong from wintertime vulnerability or strain . works want recovery time after pruning . Late pruning can impart them vulnerable to frigid snaps . Pruning too early may invite fungous problems . Each cut affects the plant ’s next muscularity use .

How to Prune Safely

Use sportsmanlike , sharp shears . reduce just above a leaf client . move out dead or scotch branches . Do n’t exaggerate it ; less is more . Disinfect puppet between plants . fatigue mitt for guard and puff . Dispose of junk to foreclose disease spread . take note how your plant life reacts to trimming .

What If You’re Unsure of the Variety?

work it safe . Wait until after flowering to prune . Observe bloom time and base eccentric to ID your hydrangea over clip . necessitate local garden centers for help . Take photos through the seasons to track change . forfend harsh pruning until you ’re confident . Keep a gardening journal for reference .

Match Pruning Time to Hydrangea Type

The good time to cut hydrangea that bloom on old forest is ripe after they cease flowering . If your works blossom on unexampled Natalie Wood , await until late wintertime or early bound to garnish , just before new growth start out . In case where you ’re unsure of the form , it ’s safest to wait until the blossom have faded and then prune softly to keep off removing next year ’s buds . Proper timing ensure that your hydrangeas can producevibrant , plentiful bloomsin the next season .