Hydrangeas are one of the most liked shrubs grown in the gardens for their colorful globes of flowers. They are easy to grow and maintain, but you may need to do a little research if you want to prune them. So look no further – we’ll describe how to prune hydrangeas and give some helpful tips and hints.
One of the most common questions regarding its growth is when and how to prune hydrangeas. The answer is simple, but people often get confused about it because this shrub has more than species that each have their own requirements.
This article describes the correct method of pruning a hydrangea plant based on its species and its need to get pruned along with a few extra gardening tips.
We have also answered many hydrangeas-related frequently asked questions to help you have a great experience growing it in your garden.
What Are Hydrangeas?
Hydrangea plants are popular shrubs commonly found in Asia and the United States. They grow fast and can reach up to 15 feet in height. They typically bloom in spring and summer.
There are many varieties of hydrangeas. However, the popular varieties include the following:
- Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Macrophylla):The bigleaf hydrangea species is the most common type of hydrangea. Bigleaf hydrangeas are also known as mophead hydrangeas. It has big leaves compared to the other species. They have blue and pink flowers.
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Quercifolia): The oakleaf hydrangea species comes in different shades. These are woody shrubs with strong and sturdy stems.
- Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Arborescens): The smooth hydrangea species produces white flowers in cluster form.
- Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Paniculata): The panicle hydrangea species has green leaves. This kind of hydrangeas is tolerant to drought and cold. Its leaves are white when it is the growing season. They start turning pink before they fall.
How to Prune Hydrangeas
Before finding out how to prune hydrangeas, it is important first to identify when you should do it because pruning at the wrong time may result in no flowers during the new growing season.
Different types of hydrangeas are divided into two main categories.
Category 1:
The first category includes the types of hydrangeas whose flowers or buds bloom on old wood. It means buds for next year’s flowers will form on this year’s stems. Bigleaf hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and Endless Summer hydrangeas fall in this category.
Category 2:
The second category includes the types of hydrangeas whose buds or flowers bloom on the new wood of the current year. Panicle hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas fall in this category.
How to Prune Category 1 Hydrangeas
You should prune this kind of hydrangeas during late summer or early fall. The best time to prune is when you notice the old blooms fading away because new buds for the next season will start forming soon after their decay.
The earlier you do it, the better it is because early pruning will give shrubs more time to recover and produce healthier buds for the following year.
To Remove Old Blooms
You will need two basic items to start pruning hydrangeas. The first item is gardening gloves, and the other item is a good quality pruner.
To remove old hydrangea blooms, you should cut the spent flowers or dead blooms below the flower heads.
To Remove Woody Old Canes
Woody and old hydrangea canes do not produce as many flowers as the new canes do. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with removing them.
In fact, doing so will give more room to the younger stems and help the shrub produce healthier and larger flowers.
To remove woody canes, you should cut them at the soil line. These plants are forgiving; therefore, the angle of the prune does not have any effect on its growth.
You can also cut the tallest canes that are getting in the way by using the same method.
How to Prune Category 2 Hydrangeas
The right time to prune this type of hydrangea is the early spring. It is because its flowers start blooming in the late spring or early summer. Its buds form on the new stem during the same year instead of the previous year.
These shrubs do not require much pruning. If you forget to prune them this year, then there is no need to worry. They will still produce healthy and large colorful flowers.
To Increase Flower Size
You should prune this shrub in later winter or early spring at the base of the plant. As a result, it will produce large blooms, but they may not be as abundant as smaller blooms are.
To Prevent Flopping
Hydrangeas experience flopping when there are large and several blooms growing on a stem. It happens more particularly after rain.
It is best to snip off its stems to a height of 16 to 23 inches to strengthen this type of hydrangea. It will result in a sturdy and strong framework that will promote strong growth.
When Should Hydrangeas Be Pruned?
It depends on the type of hydrangeas. For example, if your hydrangea grows flowers on old stems next summer, then it is best to prune the fading flowers at the end of summer or early winter.
On the contrary, if your hydrangea grows flower clusters on new stems, then it is best to prune it in early spring or late fall.
What Is the Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas?
The best time to plant hydrangeas is in the fall season. Planting it at this time will give this plant enough time to establish a large and healthy root system before it starts blooming in the following summer.
You should also try to plant it in the morning or late afternoon. Again, it is because the temperature is lower during these hours of the day.
High temperatures can stress your newly planted plant and reduce its growth.
Where Should Hydrangeas Be Grown?
It is important to plant hydrangeas in the right place to make sure it gets the required nutrients and sunlight.
It likes morning sunlight, but afternoon heat can be damaging for it. Therefore, you should plant it in a shady area where it gets sunlight in the morning and shelter in the afternoon from the full sun and heat. The south or north sides of your home may be useful for this purpose.
You should also avoid planting these shrubs under large trees. Doing so will establish a competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, which will stress the plant and negatively affect its maturation and growth.
Which Is Considered the Best Soil for Hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas prefer soil that has organic material in abundance. The soil you choose for its plantation should have good drainage and airflow.
You should water it from time to time but know that excessive watering can make the soil soggy and hinder airflow. So, water the soil carefully or use items like a water meter to give only a measured amount of water every day.
How to Plant Hydrangeas
Dig a hole in the ground that is 2 feet wider than the shrub’s root ball. The bottom of the hole should be consistent so that the whole pant is leveled well. Then place the plant in the hole and cover it with soil again.
Expert Tips to Take Care of Your Hydrangea Plant
Keep the following tips in mind if you are growing hydrangeas in your garden.
Give Enough Water
For the healthy growth of hydrangeas, the rate of water should be 1 inch per week. Watering the soil deeply thrice a week will help its rot system develop.
Some hydrangeas species like bigleaf hydrangeas require more water because they have large leaves, and their rate of evaporation is higher.
For the best results, it is better to water the plant in the morning.
Add A Layer of Mulch
Add organic mulch to the soil to increase the moisture content of the soil and help it stay cool. It may also break down with time which will help you improve soil texture.
Protection from Pests and Weeds
Plants usually develop diseases or pests when they are under stress. Therefore, make sure there is nothing in the external environment that can stress it.
Get rid of the weeds growing around your hydrangea plant. Weeds can compete with the plant for nutrients and water. In this way, it can hinder its growth.
Prevent Nutrient Deficiency
The deficiency of one nutrient or another can have negative effects on your plant’s growth. Therefore, it is best to avoid it beforehand. Keep the soil nutrient-rich by adding organic nutrients from time to time.
Can I Change the Color of the Flowers on a Hydrangeas Plant?
Certain species of hydrangeas, including bigleaf hydrangeas, can change their color. It is believed that a change in the soil pH is responsible for this characteristic.
Experts believe that pH 5 to 5.5 is suitable for blue flowers, pH 6 to 6.5 is good for pink or purple flowers and pH 5.5 to 6.5 is good for both blue and pink flowers.
If you like performing experiments on your garden plants, then turn your hydrangea plant’s ground soil to acidic soil and see results!
The Bottom Line
Hydrangeas are easy to grow and maintain. For the most part, you can prune them like you prune any other plant. They are forgiving and do not mind if you do not prune them for a year.
However, requirements for pruning may vary by species. In general, it is better to prune it before its flower buds start growing. It will help the new buds grow in a less competent and healthier environment.