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Write to Us
- Perennials
-
Varieties
-
Featured
-
-
-
Reliable color year after year.
-
- Flower Bulbs
-
Varieties
-
Featured
-
-
-
Fill your summer with blooms.
-
- Clematis & Vines
-
Varieties
-
Clematis Habits
-
Clematis By Pruning Group
-
Featured
-
Provide ambiance and romance.
-
- Roses
-
Types
-
Featured
-
Roses By Color
-
Romantic and fragrant favorites.
-
- Trees, Hedges & Shrubs
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Ornamental Trees
-
Hedges
-
Shrubs & Bushes
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Featured
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Habitat, Color & Design Possibilities.
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- Patio Orchard
- Fruits
- Tools, Décor & Gifts
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Categories
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Featured
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Tools and Garden Accessories to Enhance your Garden.
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- Gardening Resources
Tips and tricks for easy, beautiful gardens.
Pruning Hydrangea Plants
Hydrangeas rarely need pruning, but can be pruned to achieve a desired shape or to promote healthy new growth. To understand how to prune hydrangeas, you'll need to determine whether your hydrangea plant blooms on old wood or new wood. Plants that bloom on old wood only flower on branches developed last season, so deadheading spent blooms at the tips of their canes is the best method of pruning for these types. Plants that bloom on new wood develop flowers on new growth, so they can be pruned heavily, if desired, for size and shaping purposes. Different types of hydrangeas have different pruning needs. After pruning, it's common for a hydrangea to quickly grow back to its former size, so keep that in mind when it comes to your garden space and schedule. We have included additional tips for pruning hydrangeas below.
Pruning Arborescens/Smooth Hydrangea/Annabelle type Hydrangeas
Arborescens, or Annabelle hydrangeas, bloom on old and new wood. Late winter/early spring is the best time for pruning. Cut back to control the size or to shape the plant. Remove any damaged or crossed branches.
Pruning Paniculata Hydrangeas
Like arborescens, paniculatas bloom on old and new wood. Pruning hydrangeas in spring is the best course of action for this variety, and they should be cut back according to your desired aesthetics. Prune back for shape and size control, and to remove crossed and broken branches.
Pruning Macrophylla, Serrata and Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Macrophylla and serrata hydrangeas come with many common names. Macrophylla can also be known as big leaf hydrangea, like the L.A. Dreamin'® Hydrangea. The terms mophead and lacecap refer to the form of the bloom. Mophead and lacecap forms can be found in both the macrophylla and serrata species. Serrata hydrangeas are also called Mountain Hydrangeas.It's recommended these three species be pruned immediately after flowering, in order to avoid interrupting the blooming process for the following year. Many of these "old-fashioned" hydrangea styles bloom on old wood, so you should trim only diseased and damaged branches for maximum flower production. Each year, keep the hydrangea's size in check by trimming branches back immediately after flowering. Prune no more than one-third of the cane. Flower buds for next year develop along the remaining portion of the cane. With these three species, if you cut back canes harder, or prune them to the ground, you run the risk of severely reducing or eliminating altogether your blooms for next year.
There are varieties of macrophylla and serrata that bloom on new wood, but we still suggest pruning sparingly for maximum bloom impact. Prune out damaged, broken, or crossed branches.
If you're ready to get started growing these beautiful blooms in your garden, Spring Hill is here to help. Learn how to plant hydrangea and how to change the color of your hydrangea plants.
Have another question? Return to the Customer Service Help page or send an e-mail directly to Customer Service
