What time of year should I cut back my hydrangeas?

There are four basic types of Hydrangeas: The best time to prune these varieties is after they are done blooming in the summer, but no later than the end of July since they set their buds for next year in August and September. You can also prune out dead and crossing branches in the fall.

Which hydrangeas should not be pruned?

First, it’s important to know that mophead hydrangeas do not have to be pruned back – ever – unless they are very old. Removing dead stems is the only pruning that must be done for the health of the plant, and these can be removed at any time. Dead blooms can also be removed at any time.

How much can you prune hydrangeas?

Test Garden Tip: When pruning hydrangeas in general, it’s best to remove no more than one-third of the plant at any one time when they are actively growing.

How do you fix overgrown hydrangeas?

When pruning hydrangea bushes that have become overgrown, cut stems to the ground. Although this may delay blooming the following season, it helps revitalize the plants. All types of hydrangea respond well to occasional pruning, but it’s important to know what variety you have, as hydrangea pruning care varies.

How do you prune hydrangeas?

Go down the stem, beyond two healthy buds and prune tem off. Next, I work my way all over the bush, always looking for a strong pair of buds. Prune about a third of the stems a little harder down the stem to get good foliage and big flowers in summer.

Should hydrangeas be cut back in spring?

It is important to prune them during the summer, because if it is done in the spring, it could potentially risk cutting off the dormant flower buds. Other Hydrangeas, such as Endless Summer and Blushing Bride, should be pruned during the summer as well.

What kind of hydrangeas can you prune to make a tree?

They tend to bloom later than hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, since varieties that produce new wood need that extra time to create buds. The following varieties bloom on new wood: Panicle hydrangeas ( H. paniculata ), such as PeeGee or Limelight. These can be pruned into a tree form to make it a focal point of the garden.

Is it OK to cut back panicle hydrangeas?

This makes the tree form panicle hydrangea more high maintenance than other hydrangeas in this group. Be careful not to prune out the main top branches or to cut the trunk – this will cause the hydrangea to put out new growth at the base and the tree shape will be lost.

When to trim back hydrangeas after they bloom?

However, this type doesn’t have the big leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla . Blooming occurs on old wood, and the plant’s pruning needs are minimal. Prune after it flowers, trimming back flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds. In early spring, prune unhealthy stems to ground level.

Is it OK to prune Hydrangeas in Pennsylvania?

Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Pruning hydrangeas can help them retain a pretty shape and produce beautiful blooms year after year.