When and how do I trim my hydrangeas so they bloom next year?

Question

Long Island, NY - growing zone

Ellen Warren · Answer

I trim mine in the Spring and they are all growing like crazy right now.

Wendy Stahl-Frakes · Answer

I just trimmed off the dead wood earlier this spring and they are growing like mad now. 
Perhaps check with your local plant nursery....just to be sure.

Sonja Kirby · Answer

@Linda@nothingbutblueskyes ...early in spring..when the stalks have turned brown and you can just break them off..i do the same thing with my hibiscus

Vicki · Answer

it depends on which variety of hydrangea you have. Some of them bloom on old wood and some on new wood. So once you know what variety you have, then you will know when to prune them. They will grow after you prune but if it is a variety that blooms on old wood, you will just have foliage & no blooms because you've pruned the old wood off. So do a little research & it will reward you with awesome blooms!!

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Linda@nothingbutblueskyes I think that @Vicki is right. I have two varieties, one grows to a shorter height while my other variety grows to about 5 feet. For the taller variety I trim in the spring, but just the heads and dead wood. For the shorter variety, I only trim off the wood that is obviously dead. Both bloom every summer.

Linda@nothingbutblueskyes · Answer

Thank you. I find if I leave the dead wood, they start growing in the spring. I haven't seen any flower buds yet, but I will wait to trim them until next spring. And yes, to the dead wood. I've known that. Same thing with hydrangeas.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

@Vicki 's advice is spot-on. If you spring-prune a hydrangea that blooms on old wood, you will never see blossoms.

Kathleen Conery · Answer

Another voice to agree with Vicki. Mine blooms on old wood, so I trim it immediately after the spring's blooms are spent (that's right now for me). That way it has time this summer to set the next years flower buds. 
My understanding is that this is generally correct for mophead and lacecap hydrangeas. If you have PeeGee or Annabelle then you don't want to prune in spring or summer.

Jeanette S · Answer

I must have the old wood kind because I never trim and they bloom every year. But it never did bloom in the pot after the initial 2 blooms on it when purchased...then went crazy when put outside! I am getting good growth, but haven't checked for buds yet...such a weird year! P.S. I just lay limbs down on the ground and place a half shovel of dirt on top to root them. Planted 4 babies last year!

Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure · Answer

https://thistlewoodfarms.com/how-to-make-your-hydrangeas-bloom/

https://www.gardenguides.com/84033-make-hydrangeas-bloom.html

http://www.millionplants.com/advice/wont-hydrangea-bloom/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/5-tips-growing-gorgeous-hydrangeas

When and how do I trim my hydrangeas so they bloom next year?

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When and how do I trim my hydrangeas so they bloom next year?

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