Notes on pruning hydrangeas
Pruning hydrangeas and removing old flower heads in spring is a common practice for promoting healthy growth and improving blooming. Pruning should be done after the last frost, typically in late spring, while deadheading can be done throughout the growing season. This helps to encourage new growth and ensure the plant will produce new blooms.
To prune and deadhead hydrangeas:
- Pruning: Cut back old, woody stems to encourage new growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant. Normally this involves cutting the plant back by a third of the total plant’s volume.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms and dead flower heads from the plant. This helps to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production and promotes new blooms.
Note: The specific pruning technique will depend on the type of hydrangea you have (e.g. mophead, oakleaf, etc.). It’s best to consult with a GardenAdvice Expert gardener to determine the best method for your plant.