Should I cut back my hydrangea for the winter and if so when?

Question

DesertRose · Answer

Hydrangeas generally should be cut back as soon as the bloom is done. So the sooner the better from the looks of your photo. They need the time to prepare for the next bloom.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-prune-hydrangeas-1403320

Inetia · Answer

I wouldn’t cut it till after the first frost. You don’t want it to spend energy on new growth that will just freeze. You can cut your blooms if you want to dry them to use for crafting.

Barbara Gallyot · Answer

No, prone in spring after the new growth shows up , then you should cut away the dry canes.

Nell Masto · Answer

it depends on the type of hydrangea. Some bloom on old wood and some on new. The limelights will do well with a good pruning this fall. But others, after they have bloomed in spring. To do so earlier, you will remove the bud.

Estelle Cappellieri · Answer

there are hydrangeas that bloom on old wood and ones that bloom on new wood. So if you have the kind that bloom on old wood, cutting it now would eliminate flowers next spring. I have both kinds, and the ones that bloom on new wood, I cut back a bit to keep a nice shape at the end of summer.

Fiddledd224 · Answer

Be very careful--- I pruned my 3 hydrangeas way back after a particularly good growth season and they stopped blooming altogether. You need to research the specific type you have and follow those directions. Take a sample to your local nursery and see if they can help.

Kathy Gleixner Altman · Answer

I always trim mine and each year it comes back beautifully. And, the trunk is thick and strong now. I usually cut them towards the end of Oct. after I cut some blooms for over the winter indoors.

Lindeskipper · Answer

no..... cut only right after bloom is finished.... any later and you'll remove the next year's blooms....if you look closely, you see side shoots on bloomed branches which are fresh new growth.....those new growth branches will flower next spring....but not if they're removed....