Hydrangeas are beloved for their lush, vibrant flowers that bring color and life to any garden or indoor space. Whether you have a classic hydrangea plant, a stunning blue hydrangea plant, or vibrant red hydrangea plants, knowing how to prune them properly is key to ensuring strong, healthy blooms year after year.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through when and how to prune your hydrangea plant, based on its type, to keep it thriving.
Vital Reasons Why You Should Prune Hydrangeas
Pruning helps to:
- Encourage and maintain abundant blooms
- Aid in sustaining viable size and shape
- Remove dead or damaged stems
- Allow better plant’s air circulation and overall health
Different hydrangeas bloom on different types of wood (new vs. old), so it’s important to know what kind of hydrangea you have before pruning.
Step 1: Finding Which Type of Hydrangea is Best Suited to Your Garden
All the hybrids of Hydrangea have the following types:
- Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) – Includes blue and pink hydrangea plants, bloom on old wood.
- Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) – Bloom on new wood.
- Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) – Like 'Annabelle', also bloom on new wood.
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) – Bloom on old wood.
- Mountain Hydrangeas – Also bloom on old wood.
If colors or shapes of blooms confuse you, feel free to ask someone at the nursery or Contact us.
Step 2: Choose the Right Time to Prune
For Old Wood Bloomers (example: red and blue hydrangea plants):
- You can begin pruning in the late summer season, or at the onset of autumn.
- Avoid springtime pruning, it will remove buds that were to bloom the following year.
For New Wood Bloomers (i.e., smooth or panicle hydrangeas):
- Take your pruning shears to them in late winter or early spring, but wait until new growths start sprouting.
Step 3: Essential Tools Checklist
- Gardening gloves
- Clean disinfected sharp shears for pruning
- Disinfectant for tools (i.e., bleach or rubbing alcohol)
- Tools that are cleaned properly don’t aid the transmission of disease.
Step 4: How To Prune – Step By Step
For Old Wood Hydrangeas (Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Mountain):
- Begin by cutting stems that are weak or dead and discarding them at their base.
- Spend blooms are cut just above the first pair of strong and healthy buds.
- Thinning out stems that are overcrowded for better airflow is also advised.
Tip: Shaping the plant is best when no more than 1/3 of it is cut.
For New Wood Varieties (Panicle and Smooth):
- Cut all stems down to 12-18 inches from the ground.
- Remove the oldest weak stems completely.
- Remove branches that are growing crossways to prevent crowding.
Tip: These varieties are much easier to care for, which is excellent for novice gardeners!
Step 5: After Pruning Care
- Apply a layer of compost or organic mulch around the base.
- Soak the soil to aid recovery.
- To promote vigorous growth, fertilize in the spring.
Recap
The very first time that you prune your hydrangea plant may be a little daunting, but, with proper guidance and planning, it turns into a worthwhile practice that enhances the appeal of your plant. Be it the serene blue color hydrangea that complements the garden, or the fiery red hydrangeas that bolden the garden, proper pruning enhances each bloom to be more healthy, full, and beautiful than the last.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1: Is it okay to prune hydrangeas in autumn?
You may only remove hydrangeas that bloom on old wood during the early fall. Avoid heavy pruning towards the end of the season.
Q2: What happens if I prune at the wrong time?
You may cut developing buds which will result in not having flowers for that season.
Q3: How do I know if my hydrangea blooms on old or new wood?
It's best to check the variety or ask a local nursery. Typically, the bigleaf and oakleaf types bloom on old wood as well.
Q4: Will pruning help my hydrangea grow bigger flowers?
Certainly! Pruning helps to stimulate stronger stems and healthier blooms.
Are you also looking for more care tips or the perfect addition to your space?
Check out Jerome Florists for our complete range of potted hydrangea plants, including seasonal blue and red variants.