Is it too late to prune Hydrangeas?

Irma
by Irma

Too late to prune hydrangeas? How much should I prune? Thanks

  4 answers
  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jan 16, 2019

    Hello Irma,


    Pruning hydrangea can be confusing. It’s because it depends on the variety of hydrangea. Knowing your hydrangea type is an important factor. Looking at your leaves and blossom will help ID the variety, please look at the references below for best practice recommendations.


    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

  • Kate Kate on Jan 16, 2019

    I read not to prune because you may cut off the buds for springtime.

    • Pamela Jiles Pamela Jiles on Jan 30, 2019

      I view each branch as I'm trimming my hydrangea. You can see the new growth (a bud and possible leaves) below the ones you're trimming off. So trim down to just above that.


  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 18, 2019

    Knowing when to prune depends on the type of Hydrangeas you have.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jan 18, 2019

    Hi Irma,

    I'm Linda and I have hydrangeas. I agree with Vimarhonor about pruning hydrangeas. Some hydrangeas are best pruned in late fall, while others should be pruned in the summer. It depends on whether they bloom on old or new wood. If you look on the stalks of those that bloom on new wood, you will see the start of next year's flowers not too far down the stalk, next to a pair of leaves. That type should be pruned in the summer as soon as the new flowers start to fade. Here's an article with more information that should help you figure out which type of plant that you have. Wishing you the best!


    https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/pruning-hydrangeas/8852.html