How soon to cut back hydrangeas?
by
Barb Verbos
+1
I am in Milwaukee (Zone 5) and this plant only had one bloom this year. It's about 2 years old. Do I cut it down now?
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Let it go. No need to trim thee every year.
Barb,
I had the same problem in Madison. I noticed many neighbors only had a few flowers all summer, too. Maybe all the rain and the unusually hot temps were part of the reason. I’ve been advised to wait until Spring to prune it.
Barb, it wouldn’t hurt to cut it down to 1 foot. Mark the place with a ruler or paint stirrer. If by next March you haven’t seen new branches and the beginnings of tiny buds, dig it out and compost it. Buy your new plants from Walmart or a large nursery, where there is usually a one year guarantee. Follow the directions and ask questions on Hometalk! Best wishes ☺️
Hello Barb,
Pruning hydrangea can be confusing. It’s because it depends on the variety of hydrangea. Have a look at this sources recommendations for pruning.
https://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangeas
The timing of the pruning seem determines by the hydrangea variety according to this source.
Prune during the summer, just after the flowers fade:
Bigleaf or Florist Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Prune in late winter or early spring:
Hills-of-Snow or Sevenbark Hydrangea (H. arborescens ‘Grandiflora’),
Oakleaf Hydrangea (H. quercifolia)
Peegee Hydrangea (H. paniculata ‘Grandiflora’),
Tea of Heaven (H. serrata)
Prune as needed to control growth -
Climbing Hydrangea (H. anomala petiolaris)
https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-prune-hydrangeas-1403320
And another reference
http://www.finegardening.com/pruning-hydrangeas