Pruning hydrangeas depends on the type of hydrangea you have. Different varieties of hydrangeas bloom on different types of wood, so it's essential to understand your hydrangea's specific pruning needs before you start.
Here are some general guidelines on how to prune different types of hydrangeas:
- Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): These hydrangeas bloom on old wood, which means they set their buds in late summer and fall on the previous year's growth. Prune them immediately after they finish blooming in the summer. You can remove any dead or damaged wood at this time, but avoid cutting back the branches too much, or you will remove next year's flower buds.
- Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): These hydrangeas bloom on new wood, which means they set their buds in the spring on new growth. Prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. You can cut back the branches to just above the second or third set of buds from the ground to encourage bushier growth.
- Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens): These hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so you can prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. You can cut them back to about 6-12 inches above the ground.
- Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia): These hydrangeas also bloom on old wood, so prune them immediately after they finish blooming in the summer. You can remove any dead or damaged wood at this time, but avoid cutting back the branches too much, or you will remove next year's flower buds.
Remember that not all hydrangeas require pruning, and excessive pruning can sometimes damage the plant and reduce its bloom potential. Always research the specific pruning needs of your hydrangea variety before you start pruning.