Hydrangea Pruning Tips

July 29, 2020

We made it easy to learn hydrangea pruning tips. Proper pruning of hydrangeas will impact the showy display of blooms. Some types don’t need pruning and others benefit from it.

Have you ever pruned hydrangeas in spring and noticed you had a lack of flowers in summer? Chances are, you did not prune your hydrangea at the right time.

Once you identify the type of hydrangea in your garden, you all know if they bloom or new wood. Depending on when how they bloom, will help decide when to prune correctly.

We put together some quick points to help you take care of hydrangeas.

WHEN TO PRUNE HYDRANGEAS

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Bloom on old wood; do not prune
Protect in winter

Panicle Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata

Blooms on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Blooms on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring.

Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata

Blooms on old wood; do not prune

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Blooms on old wood; do not prune
Protect in the winter

Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea petiolaris

Blooms on old wood; do not prune

If you prune bigleaf, mountain, oakleaf, or climbing hydrangeas you are removing the flower buds. Hydrangeas will have a lack-lustre display of blooms if the buds are removed. Sometimes a cold flash in spring can also damage blooms. Keep them protected when there is a frost or freeze threat.

Smooth and panicle hydrangeas will still flower if they are pruned in early spring (before the plant breaks dormancy) or winter. If you happen to prune in late spring or summer, the buds could be delayed. Flowers may be delayed or will not occur that year. These plants also need time to mature, be patient and you will be greeted with flowers. Pruning in the summer will not increase the number of flowers.

TIPS FOR GROWING HYDRANGEAS

Hydrangeas need well-drained moist soil. They don’t like to dry out completely or have consistently wet soil.
Hydrangeas need at least four to five hours of sunlight, ideally in the morning. If you have a full-sun garden, panicle hydrangeas are the most sun tolerant.
The root system on hydrangeas is quite shallow; they dry out quickly. Water hydrangeas deeply and frequently. Adding two or three layers of bark mulch will help hydrangeas retain their moisture level.

Looking to grow hydrangeas? Check out the Sheridan Shop.

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