Perfectly Pruning Hydrangeas: Tips for Happy, Healthy PlantsIn this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the best way to prune your hydrangeas for healthy and happy plants!

What You Need to Know:

Prune your hydrangea at a 45-degree angle with pruners or secateurs during the mid-summer months to avoid accidentally cutting any new growth.
Remove old flowers just below the heads at the end of the stem and any dead or crossing canes to increase air circulation and promote new growth.
Prune your overgrown hydrangea in June or July by cutting the branches back by one-third to the nearest joint.
Method 1: Hydrangeas That Bloom on Old Wood

Steps:

Check for Old Wood Bloomers:

Some hydrangeas will bloom from the previous year’s growth, also known as “old wood.” Inspect existing hydrangea canes for bud growth when they become visible in late spring/early summer before cutting the canes. These hydrangeas tend to bloom in early summer, and the flowers die by mid-summer. At this stage, the bush starts producing the buds that will bloom the following year.
Examples include Bigleaf, Mophead or Lacecap (Hydrangea macrophylla and H. serrata) and Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia).
Prune Just After Peak Blooming:

Prune these types of hydrangeas as they begin to fade in mid-summer. If you miss this window, simply wait until the following year to prune. Hydrangeas do not need to be pruned every year, so waiting will not cause any issues.
Remove Old Flowers:

Just after they fade, use a pair of sharp pruners or secateurs to remove the dead flower heads. Cut the dead flower heads at a 45-degree angle at the end of the stem, just below the old flower. You can also remove any dead or dying canes at this time; prune them at their base.
Remove the Oldest Canes:

When a hydrangea is several years old, it will produce fewer flowers. You can encourage new growth by removing some of the oldest canes, up to one-third of them. For thicker canes, you may need loppers to cut them. Cut these oldest canes back to the ground at a 45-degree angle.
Prune to Reduce Size if Necessary:

If your hydrangea has grown too large, you can prune it in June or July (just after the blooming season) to contain it. At a 45-degree angle, prune the branches back by one-third to the nearest joint. This type of pruning is not necessary for the plant’s health. Do it only if your hydrangea is taking up too much space.
Exception: “Endless Summer” Hydrangeas:

These are easier to maintain and can be pruned at any time of the year. You can “deadhead” them in spring or autumn to encourage new flowers.
Method 2: Hydrangeas That Bloom on New Wood

Steps:

Check for New Wood Bloomers:

These hydrangea varieties produce new growth each spring and then bloom from this growth later in the summer. This new growth will appear as young green canes emerging from the ground, unlike old wood bloomers, which appear as buds on existing branches. Examples include Panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata) like PeeGee or Limelight and Smooth hydrangeas (H. arborescens) like Annabelle.
Prune in Late Winter:

Prune these varieties in late winter before they start to produce buds. You can prune all the stems back by one-third in winter. This will help the plant produce larger, more spectacular flowers.
Cut Faded Flowers:

Cut faded flowers at a 45-degree angle under their base. Use sharp pruners or secateurs to do the job correctly.
Remove Dead and Crossing Canes:

Use hand pruners or loppers to remove dead and crossing or tangled canes. Pruning dead branches and canes will free up the plant and promote better air circulation, encouraging more vigorous growth. Remember to prune no more than one-third of the total canes to maintain the plant’s strength and structure.
Leave Some Old Shoots:

Hydrangea flowers tend to be quite heavy, so don’t cut too many old canes. Leave a good network of canes intact to support the branches and prevent them from sagging under the weight of the flowers.
Method 3: Climbing Hydrangeas

Steps:

Prune if Untidy:

Climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea petiolaris) are beautiful and can grow up and around where they are planted. While it’s not necessary to prune them, you can do so if they become untidy.
Prune in Late Summer:

Climbing hydrangeas typically bloom in late spring and can continue into mid-summer. To avoid cutting any new growth, prune your climbing hydrangea in late summer, such as July or August.
Remove Faded Flower Heads:

Cut the stems of your hydrangeas at a 45-degree angle directly under the dead flower. Use sharp pruners or secateurs for a clean look.
Remove Excessive Canes:

If you are pruning your climbing hydrangea to fit a specific space, cut excessive and dead canes back by one-third of the way down the cane at a 45-degree angle. Use your pruners to cut as much of your hydrangea as needed to achieve the desired look. Just remember not to cut more than one-third of the way down the cane unless you need to clear an area completely. In that case, you can cut lower as needed or all the way to the ground.
With these tips, your hydrangeas will stay healthy, beautiful, and full of blooms, adding their distinctive charm to your garden for years to come! 🌿🌸