Best Time to Prune Hydrangeas – Stacy Ling
Pruning hydrangeas is an essential part of their care and maintenance, ensuring that these beautiful blooming shrubs remain healthy and produce an abundance of flowers. However, the best time to prune hydrangeas largely depends on their variety and the growth habit of the species.
There are two main types of hydrangeas – those that bloom on old wood, and those that bloom on new wood. Hydrangeas like Oakleaf and Mophead flower on old wood, meaning the buds are formed during the previous summer. Therefore, the best time to prune this type is immediately after they finish blooming in summer. Pruning them too late can result in cutting off next year’s buds, reducing the flowering potential.
On the other hand, Panicle and Smooth hydrangeas flower on new wood, which means they develop buds on the current season’s growth. The optimal time to prune these varieties is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing helps stimulate new growth, upon which blooms will appear later in the season.
Regardless of species, removing dead or weak branches can be done anytime throughout the year as part of regular maintenance. Also, deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can encourage more blooms and tidy up the plant.
Stacy Ling also recommends assessing your own specific hydrangea’s health and flowering patterns when deciding on a pruning schedule. This tailored approach ensures that individual plants receive care based on their unique growing conditions and habits.
Proper pruning encourages robust growth and abundant blooms while helping to maintain a pleasing shape. With Stacy Ling’s guidance on when to prune different varieties of hydrangeas, gardeners can maximize their plant’s ornamental value and enjoy these stunning shrubs year after year.