Hydrangeas are easy to care for; however, many gardeners unknowingly make mistakes of pruning due to the various types of hydrangeas and their unique needs.
Improper pruning can lead to disappointing results, with fewer flowers or even damaging the plant.
To keep your hydrangeas looking their best, it’s crucial to understand the right way to prune each type. Here’s your guide to success.
#1. Bigleaf Hydrangeas
Bigleaf hydrangeas, or Hydrangea macrophylla owns stunning colors like blue, pink, and purple, with hues that change based on soil pH.
When it comes to pruning, timing is crucial. Bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, meaning this year’s flowers grew on last year’s stems.
Prune too late, and you risk cutting off next year’s blooms. The ideal time to prune is right after flowering, focusing on removing spent blooms and dead or weak stems.
#2. Panicle Hydrangeas
Panicle hydrangea are famous for their large, cone-shaped blooms that start off white and gradually turn shades of pink as the season progresses.
The best time for you to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins to encourage more robust blooms.
These hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so don’t hesitate to cut them back by about one-third of their height.
#3. Smooth Hydrangeas
Smooth hydrangeas thrives in various soil types, including clay, as long as there’s good drainage.
One of the most beloved varieties, the ‘Annabelle,’ dazzles with its snow-white blooms, adding a fairy-tale charm to any garden.
Pruning is crucial for their beauty. Since they bloom on new wood, it’s best to prune them down to about 6 inches from the ground in late winter or early spring.
The blooming cycle starts in June, with flowers shifting from lime-green to white and back to green.
For double the beauty, you should cut the blooms in June to prompt a second round of flowers in August or September.
#4. Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Native to North America, Oakleaf hydrangea are known for their stunning oak-shaped leaves and show-stopping blooms.
When it comes to pruning, these flowers bloom on old wood, meaning the flowers grow on last year’s stems.
To ensure a bountiful bloom next year, you should prune them right after they finish flowering.
Focus on removing dead or damaged branches, and also avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce next year’s flowers.
#5. Climbing Hydrangeas
Unlike typical bush-type hydrangeas, climbing hydrangeas grow on long, woody vines and thrive in zones 4-8 with part-shade and filtered light.
In their early years, it’s essential to train them to climb the desired structure. Once established, very little pruning is needed.
If you do prune, focus on removing any dead or damaged stems, and trim back overgrown vines by about one-third to maintain shape.
