The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a bush that is grown for its large, colorful flowers. When pruning a hydrangea it is important that you first identify the type of plant you are dealing with. Each type of hydrangea is pruned differently, at different times, to help promote new growth. There are four types of hydrangea that require pruning: Hills-of-Snow hydrangea, PeeGee hydrangea, Oakleaf hydrangea and Hortensia (or Florist) hydrangea.
Identify that this is the type of plant you are pruning. Hills-of-Snow hydrangeas are characterized by white flowers that bloom from June to September. These hydrangea bushes stand approximately 5 feet tall.
Wait until the winter to prune this type of hydrangea.
Use pruning shears to cut back some of the branches all the way to the ground. Cut the remaining branches so they are between 1 and 3 feet tall.
Identify that this is the type of plant you are pruning. PeeGee hydrangeas are characterized by their 5-inch-long leaves that turn bronze in the fall and their white flowers that turn pink in the fall.
Deadhead old blooms and leaves throughout the entire growing season.
Wait until winter or early spring to prune the new growth from the previous season. This pruning will spur new growth in the spring.
Identify that this is the type of plant you are pruning. Oakleaf hydrangeas are characterized by their leaves, which resemble those of an oak tree.
Wait until early spring to prune this type of hydrangea.
Use your shears to remove the dead wood. Look for broken and visibly damaged branches and cut below the point of breakage.
Identify that this is the type of plant you are pruning. There are several types of hydrangeas that fall into the category of Hortensia hydrangea such as the Summer Beauty and Blue Prince varieties.
Wait until late summer to begin pruning, after the last of the flowers have bloomed. If you prune in the spring, this type of hydrangea will not bloom that growing season. Also, do not prune this type of hydrangea after September; if you do, new growth will not develop properly.
Use your shears to remove the weak shoots near the bottom of the plant. Remove and other visibly brown, dead or weak parts of the plant.
Things You Will Need
- Pruning shears
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