One of the most commonly asked questions about hydrangeas is when and how they should be pruned. Let’s delve into that question here using three simple steps.
Itching to prune your hydrangeas? Follow these 3 steps to ensure your success.
Hydrangeas are popular flowering shrubs that bloom in showy mounds of color during the summer. To keep your hydrangeas healthy and promote the best blooms each year, proper pruning is essential. The key is knowing when and how to prune hydrangeas to prepare them for winter dormancy.
In this detailed guide we will cover
- Why prune hydrangeas for winter
- When to prune hydrangeas – Fall vs Spring
- The two types of hydrangeas and their pruning needs
- Step-by-step instructions for pruning hydrangeas before winter
- Important tips for winter protection and care
Why Prune Hydrangeas Before Winter?
Pruning hydrangeas serves a few key purposes when it comes to winter preparation:
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It removes dead damaged and diseased wood, improving the plant’s health.
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It shapes and controls size/growth. Removing some older stems rejuvenates the shrub.
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It maximizes future blooms. Removing spent flowers and cutting back excessive growth encourages more flowering.
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It allows the plant to harden off properly for dormancy. Pruning eliminates soft new growth before winter.
Timing is critical when pruning hydrangeas. You need to prune at the right time of year for the specific type of hydrangea you have.
When to Prune Hydrangeas for Winter – Fall vs Spring
There are two main times to prune hydrangeas for winter – late fall or early spring:
Fall Pruning
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Done in late fall after plants have gone dormant.
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Recommended for mophead and lacecap types that bloom on old wood.
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Allows pruning wounds time to heal before winter.
Spring Pruning
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Done in early spring before new growth emerges.
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Best for panicle and smooth hydrangeas that bloom on new wood.
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Avoid pruning once buds start swelling and new leaves emerge.
The timing depends on the type of hydrangea, so read on for details.
Pruning Old Bloomers vs New Bloomers
Hydrangeas are divided into two main groups based on when their flower buds are set:
Old Bloomers
- Mophead hydrangeas – Hydrangea macrophylla
- Lacecap hydrangeas – Hydrangea serrata
- Oakleaf hydrangeas – Hydrangea quercifolia
These types bloom in early to mid summer on old wood, meaning the flower buds form the previous year. Prune them either in late fall AFTER they finish blooming or in early spring BEFORE new growth starts.
New Bloomers
- Panicle hydrangeas – Hydrangea paniculata
- Smooth hydrangeas – Hydrangea arborescens
These hydrangeas bloom in mid to late summer on new wood – the current season’s growth. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring BEFORE they leaf out.
How to Prune Old Bloomer Hydrangeas for Winter
Follow these steps to prune mophead, lacecap and oakleaf hydrangeas that bloom on old wood:
1. Wait Until Fall or Early Spring
Avoid pruning at the wrong time of year or you’ll remove next year’s flower buds. Stick to late fall after blooming or early spring before growth resumes.
2. Remove Dead Stems and Branches
Cut out any dead, damaged or diseased wood down to the ground using bypass pruning shears. Also remove crossing branches and weak growth.
3. Shape and Thin Out Old Stems
Cut back 1/3 of the oldest, thickest stems down to the ground to rejuvenate plants. Also prune to shape plants, maintaining their natural form.
4. Trim Back Overlong Branches
Selectively cut back any overgrown branches as needed to maintain size and shape. Aim for evenly distributed branching.
5. Leave Most New Growth
Avoid cutting back all of the current season’s new growth down to the ground. Leave some new stems to provide next year’s blooms.
6. Make Heading Cuts Above Leaf Nodes
Always make sloping cuts just above an outward facing leaf node, so new branches can grow. Avoid leaving bare stubs.
How to Prune New Bloomer Hydrangeas for Winter
Here’s how to properly prune panicle (H. paniculata) and smooth hydrangeas (H. arborescens) that bloom on new wood:
1. Prune in Early Spring Before Growth Starts
Prune these types in late winter or early spring before the plants break dormancy and produce new growth.
2. Cut All Stems Down to the Ground
New bloomers respond well to more aggressive pruning. Cut back all of the previous year’s stems down to the ground.
3. Remove Dead Growth
Also cut out any remaining dead or damaged wood down to ground level to improve plant health.
4. Shape and Thin If Needed
You can do additional corrective pruning to shape or thin plants once the new growth comes in.
5. Make Heading Cuts Above Leaf Nodes
Always angle cuts above leaf nodes so new branching can emerge. Remove any awkward stubby stems.
6. Leave Flowering Stems Longer
For looser, airy blooms, prune back side shoots and leave main flowering stems longer.
Tips for Winter Care and Protection
Once your hydrangeas are properly pruned before winter, keep these tips in mind:
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Wrap or insulate hydrangea flower buds to protect from extreme cold and wind. Burlap or foam coverings work well.
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Add mulch around the base to insulate roots from temperature fluctuations.
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Water in fall and during winter warm spells so plants don’t desiccate.
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Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which can cause damage in cold weather.
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For potted plants, move containers to an unheated garage or porch during winter.
With the right pruning and care before winter, your hydrangeas will be healthy and ready to bloom beautifully next year. Timing is key, so be sure to prune at the right time for each type.
STEP 3: Know how much to prune your hydrangea.
As a general rule, you can cut off up to a third of your hydrangea that blooms on new wood. Let’s say your hydrangea is six feet tall. You can cut off up to two feet from the top and sides. We do not recommend pruning more drastically than 30% for two reasons:
- Too much of the strong framework that keeps the plant standing straight is lost when it is pruned even more.
- The plant needs to keep enough of its leaves so that it can make enough food for its roots.
When you prune, make your cut just above a set of large, healthy leaves. If a branch is broken or dead, it can be removed completely. If in doubt, don’t prune! No hydrangea requires pruning to grow and bloom well.
STEP 2: Decide when to prune your hydrangea.
Once you have completed step one, you will know which type of hydrangea you are growing. Then, follow this guide to decide when to prune.
When and How to Prune Hydrangeas | Pruning Hydrangeas | Hydrangea Winter Care
FAQ
Should hydrangeas be cut back for winter?
How far back do you cut hydrangeas in the fall?
What is the best month to prune hydrangeas?
Can hydrangeas be cut back in winter?
However, you can cut them back in late winter or early spring to promote new growth. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): These hydrangeas are also hardy and do not require any special winter care. You can prune them in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
Do hydrangeas need pruning?
The hydrangea, which grows on old wood, doesn’t need much pruning. If your oakleaf is outgrowing its dedicated space, cut back no more than one-third of the stems after the plant flowers in June or July, says Becker. Weak and dead stems can also be removed in late winter or early spring.
When should I prune my Hydrangea?
If you are working with a new wood bloomer, you really can’t go wrong, it is best to prune in the late fall. Flower buds are not present on new wood blooming plants over the winter. It may be worth a trip through your garden during the winter to see if your hydrangea has any formed flower buds.
How do you prune hydrangeas?
Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. The best type of tool to use to prune hydrangeas are bypass shears. Bypass shears cut like scissors, but the blades pass by each other to make a cut. Give your shears a quick wipe down before you get started to remove any debris.