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Pruning hydrangeas

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The hydrangea is a strong, low-maintenance shrub. It stays in bloom for six months and can even be used as a hedge. When pruning hydrangeas, it’s important to note that they can be split into two groups: those that bloom on old buds and those that bloom on new buds.

You’ve guessed it: the former bloom on buds that were prepared a year before. These hydrangeas can be pruned before the winter (after bloom) or after the winter (before March). They will scarcely bloom if you prune them in the spring.

Hydrangeas that bloom on new buds do so on branches that grow in the spring and continue to grow after pruning. These hydrangeas can be pruned early in the spring.

  1. What tool do you need to prune your hydrangeas?

    Pruning hydrangeas is fairly easy. You can use secateurs with a parrot beak to prune the hydrangeas’ flowers and branches.

  2. How should you prune your hydrangeas?

    Hydrangeas that bloom on old buds are pruned by cutting off the dead heads just above the top pair of thick, healthy buds. Give hydrangeas that bloom on old heads extra protection from night frost to ensure the new flower heads don't freeze. You do this by covering the shrub with a horticultural fleece or bubble wrap. Remove the fleece or wrap as soon as the frost has gone.

    You don’t need to prune the dead heads of hydrangeas that bloom on new buds in the autumn. The new flowers develop on the same branch under the dead heads, which protect the new flowers from frost. The dead flowers can be cut in the early spring to make room for the new flowers.

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Tip

You can split a big pruning job over two years, if you wish. Prune half one year and the rest the next year. In the meantime, you can continue to enjoy this colourful plant.