Hydrangeas are generally pruned in late winter to early spring. It needs to be remembered that some Hydrangeas flower on the previous years growth so heavy pruning can inhibit flowering.

Pruning basics say that we should remove any dead or diseased (damaged) growth, this is true with all plants and Hydrangeas are no exception.

You also need to determine if you are pruning for shape, or to encourage flowering, especially with hydrangeas as some flower on new wood other on old wood.

Pruning Mophead Hydrangeas, Lacecaps and Hydrangea Serrata
These plants flower on last seasons wood so prune back growth down to the first pair of healthy buds on each stem.

But start by removing any dead or diseased growth, these growths can be pruned right back. Consider cutting 25% of the oldest growth out each year, this will encourage new growth from the base of the plant. In frost prone areas consider leaving pruning until frosts are over, the old growth and flower heads will provide protection from frosts. Old plants can be pruned back heavily to reinvigorate the plant, but remember you will have no flowers that year.

Pruning Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens.
These two flower on current seasons growth or new wood, old and diseased wood needs to be removed.
In early spring they can pruned back to the lowest pair of healthy buds flowering will be be more prolific.

Pruning Hydrangea aspera, Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea), Hydrangea sargentiana and Hydrangea villosa.
These also bloom on old wood and do not require heavy pruning unless they get out of shape. Remove dead, and diseased wood as well as weak stems and cut back to the first pair of healthy buds.

Pruning Climbing Hydrangeas.
Climbing Hydrangeas ar e best pruned just after flowering in summer.

 

Hydrangea paniculata (Praecox-Hydrangea)
Hydrangea paniculata (Praecox-Hydrangea)
Hydrangea-serrata-'Blue-Deckle'
Hydrangea serrata 'Blue-Deckle'



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