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| Pruning Hydrangea |
Throughout the years, I have had many inquiries as to why hydrangeas never bloomed in the summer. A common error made by homeowners is pruning their hydrangeas at the wrong time, so you are not alone! As autumn is underway we gardeners instinctively have the urge to clean up the garden, but that instinct can do more harm than good. Pruning your hydrangeas now could mean loss of blooms for next season for certain varieties and also weaken the plant. A little preventive care and knowing the proper pruning time for the variety of hydrangea you have will make the world of a difference in how they perform next year.
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| Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' |
Why Not Prune Now: Pruning at the wrong time can jeopardize all of or a good portion of next year's blooms if pruned too late. New buds start forming on the previous years growth around August for many cultivars of hydrangea. Also, pruning too late in the season can weaken branches, causing stress to the plant.
Old Wood Bloomers (Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Traditional Mountain
& Climbing): These types set their flower buds during summer and early fall
of the previous year. These include Hydrangea macrophylla, like 'Nikko Blue',
which blooms on only old wood. Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) bloom only on
old wood and include varieties such as 'Snow Queen' or 'Gatsby Gal'.
Traditional Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) bloom on old wood from the
season before. Climbing Hydrangea bloom only on old wood, and include varieties
such as 'Flying Saucer' and 'Winter Glow'. Prune these varieties immediately after flowering.
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| Hydrangea 'Endless Summer' |
Old and New Wood Bloomers: Varieties from the 'Endless
Summer' or 'Let’s Dance' series bloom on both old and new wood. Newer cultivars
of Mountain hydrangea include compact varieties like 'Tuff Stuff 'Top Fun' and 'Blue Bird', which bloom on
both old and new wood. Since these cultivars bloom on both old and new wood, it is recommended to prune them immediately after flowering to risk losing any of next years blooms.
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| Oakleaf Hydrangea |
Whether the variety you have blooms on old wood or both old
and new, pruning too late in the season can destroy many of next year's blooms.
Prune only after the current year’s blooms have faded, typically in mid-to late
summer. Look for a pair of healthy buds just below the expired bloom and trim
just above the buds at a 45 degree angle to allow water to run off. Remove
weak or crossing stems, but avoid heavy cutting. Avoid pruning once August
arrives as the plant is already forming new buds for next year’s flowers.
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| Hydrangea 'Annabelle' |
New Wood Bloomers (Smooth and Panicle): These types such as
Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) includes varieties such as ‘Annabelle’ and
'Invincibelle Spirit'. Popular varieties of Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata)
include ‘Limelight’, ‘Pinky Winky’. and 'Quick Fire’. These cultivars produce flowers on
new growth each spring. These are fine to prune late winter to early spring,
before new leaves unfurl. Cut stems back to about 12–18 inches tall. Remove
dead or weak branches, while shaping the shrub to promote strong new growth.
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| Hydrangea Tough Stuff 'Top Fun' |
What to Do Instead of Pruning in Fall: If your hydrangea
looks too large or unruly this fall, resist major pruning. Instead, remove only
spent flowers and dead stems. Mulch around the base to protect roots from frost
and wait until late winter or early spring to reshape. Note: Fall is a great time to
transplant hydrangeas to a more suitable spot where they can grow freely.
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| Pruning Hydrangea: Trim just above the new set of buds at a 45 degree angle. |
I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden and have found
the information to be useful. Pruning hydrangeas at the wrong time of year is
one of the biggest reasons gardeners see fewer blooms the next season. By
matching pruning time to your hydrangea’s bloom cycle, you will be rewarded
with a more robust display of flowers next summer!
As Always...Happy Gardening!
Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved.
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