Though gardeners on the internet may have made you feel that pruning hydrangeas is the most difficult thing you’ll ever do, I can assure you it’s really not.
Today, I’ll be teaching you how and when you should prune your hydrangeas for the best flowering results. Trust me, your hydrangeas will explode with blooms after this!
Without wasting any further time, let’s dive right into it!
Why Is Pruning Essential For Hydrangeas?
When beginners are taught about pruning, they’re often told that it’s all about cutting the plant and making it smaller visually. However, pruning actually helps the plant grow better.
When you prune, you remove dead and weak branches, leaves, and unwanted parts of the plant that were doing nothing but placing unnecessary stress and weight on it.
Dense branches and foliage limit air circulation around the plant, making it more susceptible to fungal diseases. Pruning ensures the prevention of such diseases and mold.
Removal of dead wood and old stems renews old hydrangea plants and promotes new growth. You also get the benefit of promoting stronger stem growth that can support heavy blooming.
Find out here when Hydrangeas bloom (it’s important to know!).
How To Prune Hydrangeas? Let’s Start!
First and foremost, before we get to the actual pruning part, it’s very important that you gear yourself up. You’ll be needing:
Also, before you prune, try to identify the type of hydrangea you’re working with first. If you already know, that’s great. But if you don’t, spend some time figuring it out. You’ll find out why it’s important to know this in just a second.
The Pruning Process For Hydrangeas That Bloom On Old Wood
Bigleaf Hydrangeas:
This hydrangea variety tends to bloom on last year’s growth. The best time for pruning Bigleaf hydrangeas right after it finishes blooming, which will vary depending on where you live!
Avoid pruning in fall, winter or early spring, as this can remove next year’s flower buds and reduce blooming. Also, avoid cutting back too hard though; just some light shaping after flowering should be enough.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas:
Keep your approach similar with Oakleaf hydrangeas, but prune this one in a way that highlights its natural shape and ornamental bark.
Also, try your best not to “over-prune” this one, as that can be detrimental to long-term growth and blooming.
The Pruning Process For Hydrangeas That Bloom On New Wood
Panicle Hydrangeas:
Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood, which means they benefit greatly from hard pruning. This means you can cut back this variety to only a few buds, and it will grow back extremely well, as it encourages strong new growth.
Remove any dead and crossing branches and old foliage. This variety is actually of one of the easiest to prune! So, don’t be afraid to cut it back hard.
Smooth Hydrangeas:
The same applies to smooth hydrangeas, which also bloom on new wood and benefit from the removal of last year’s stems and foliage. Put more emphasis on tidying up the shape of this hydrangea variety when pruning.
But, with smooth hydrangeas, you really want to focus on tidying up the shape of the plant. So, don’t be afraid to cut back the stems close to the base; this keeps the plant looking full and balanced! Trust me, you’ll thank me in the summer, when it starts blooming!
How To Prune Hydrangeas? Avoid These 4 Fatal Errors!
1: Pruning At The Wrong Time
Avoid pruning at the wrong time. If you don’t know when to prune your particular hydrangea variety, read my work or search the internet for some answers. This is a mistake that can ruin an entire season of blooms!
2: Using Blunt Or Bad Pruning Tools
Avoid blunt or bad pruning tools at all costs. If you’re dealing with rust or excessive dirt and grime on your pruning tools, either clean them properly or replace them with new ones. Nothing spreads fungal diseases as quickly as bad gardening tools.
3: Over Pruning
Less is more, especially with old wood hydrangea varieties. Pruning should only be done when and where it’s needed.
4: Pruning Newly-Planted Hydrangeas
Don’t go around pruning every hydrangea in sight; young ones don’t handle heavy pruning very well. Give them the time they need to settle properly.
Conclusion
When it’s your first time, pruning your hydrangeas can seem like a daunting task. I mean… What if you hurt the plant? Make a wrong cut? Possibly kill it?
All these questions and worries may be flooding your mind right now, but I need you to know that it’s a skill. It’s a skill that you can hone and get better at pruning as you do it more often.
Get your approach right, prepare your tools, and, most importantly, be gentle. Your hydrangeas don’t need pruning and tidying up if it comes at the cost of their health and longevity.
My hydrangeas are large, full, and quite healthy but no blooms to be found. The last 2 winters we have had a harsh cold spell and freezing temperatures in the early spring as the buds are forming. We trim back all the stems to encourage new branches because the freeze has killed everything. What else can be done?
Hi Janis!
It sounds like the cold spells and freezing temperatures are damaging the buds, which is likely why your hydrangeas aren’t blooming. Try to cover your hydrangeas with burlap or frost cloth during late winter and early spring to shield them from cold snaps. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter and only remove dead wood in early spring. If possible, plant your hydrangeas in a spot that’s sheltered from harsh winds and late frosts. And last but not least, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Good luck!
Last year we had snow on May 17 … in RI. There was ice on the buds and leaves. It eventually flowered as usual from new bud sites.This year, half the plant is dead.
Hi! It sounds like your hydrangea took a hit last year and is still recovering. If half the plant looks dead, go ahead and cut back the dead stems to where you see healthy green growth. With some time and care, it should bounce back stronger. Hydrangeas are tougher than they look! 💪🌿💗
Hi- I have a limelight hydrangea that is about 9-10 ft tall & about 10-12 yrs old. I’ve noticed a lot of dead branches the past few years, so last year I pruned some of the dead branches off. Now it doesn’t look “full” anymore. It has a lot of “open” spots so I’m thinking of taking off about the top 3rd of it to hopefully make it get fuller. Is there a special time of year I should do this?
Hi Carol!
It sounds like your limelight hydrangea could benefit from some careful pruning. The best time to prune limelight hydrangeas is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage fuller growth and more blooms. When pruning, remove any dead or weak branches first, then trim back the top third of the plant, as you mentioned. This should help your hydrangea regain its fullness and promote healthy growth.
Let me know how it went!
I have always trimmed my limelight hydrangea in the spring, except for a bouquet of them in the fall for drying. They are wonderful yo have in the winter in a nice vase for decoration! Just cut the stems as long as you want them, strip off leaves. Place flowers in vase in about an inch of water and do not water again…they will dry out fairly quickly, so make sure you have them arranged the way you want them to look dried. Some people spray them with gold paint, but I like mine natural.
Hi Cheryl!
That sounds absolutely lovely! Limelight hydrangeas really make such beautiful dried arrangements, and your method is spot on for getting them to dry perfectly. I love the idea of keeping them natural too—there’s something so elegant about their soft, faded colors in winter decor. 🌸💐
When should I fertilize my hydrangeas?
Hi Tim!
You should fertilize your hydrangeas in the spring as they start to leaf out and again in early summer. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a formula specifically for hydrangeas. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can promote new growth that may not harden off before winter. Regular fertilization during the growing season will help ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Have a nice day 😊
Hi. I have several hydrangeas plants and would love to have more blooms. How can I tell which ones they are old wood or new wood bloomers so I can properly prune? Thanks
Hi Nancy,
To determine if your hydrangeas bloom on old or new wood, check when they flower. If they bloom in early summer, they likely bloom on old wood, so prune after flowering. If they bloom later, they might be new wood bloomers and can be pruned in early spring!
Let me know if you have any more questions 😊
I have several big leaf and live in New York. I did not prune in the fall. Spring us in the way when and how should I prune them? How far do I cut?
Hi Millie!😊 Since you have bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and live in New York, you should only prune after they bloom, usually in late summer.
✂️ For spring care, just remove dead wood—scratch the stems; if they’re brown and brittle, cut them back to the nearest live bud.
🌿 Don’t cut them back hard in spring, or you’ll remove this year’s flower buds.
If you didn’t prune in the fall, that’s good! Just wait until after blooming to shape them. 😊🌸✨
We are newbies at growing hydrangias. One plant in the back garden produces some nice purple blooms (year 2). In front, one on eother side of steps. Lots of pink blooms on the right (2nd full year, sunny). Left plant nowhere near big enough to bloom (2nd full year, shade).
1. Different colors: due to PH of the soil, right?
2. How to help plant on the left?
3. Most blooms droop to the group. Do I need some kind of fencing to support stems of young plants?
Thank you!!!!
Hi Jamie, welcome to the world of hydrangeas!
1. Yes, the different colors are due to the pH of the soil. Acidic soil (lower pH) produces blue or purple blooms, while alkaline soil (higher pH) results in pink blooms.
2. For the plant on the left, ensure it’s getting enough water and consider enriching the soil with compost. Since it’s in the shade, it may just be growing more slowly, but with patience and proper care, it should eventually bloom.
3. If the blooms are drooping, you can use a simple plant support or garden stakes with soft ties to help hold them up. As the plants mature, their stems will strengthen.
Good luck with your hydrangeas! Let me know if you have any more questions 😊
I have two limelight hydrangeas in the front of my house. Husband says they block windows, I don’t care, they are beautiful from my bedroom windows looking out window. My question is, can you transplant limelights? Mine are very healthy. Huge blooms.
Hi Becky,
Yes, you can transplant limelight hydrangeas, especially if they’re healthy. The best time to do this is in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Make sure to dig a wide enough root ball, and prepare the new location with plenty of organic matter. Keep them well-watered after transplanting to help them adjust.
And don’t worry, with proper care, they should continue to thrive in their new spot. Or, you could just tell your husband that they’re too happy where they are to be moved—after all, they do make your view from the bedroom window perfect! 😄
I have two large hydrangea bushes that have not bloomed so I have no idea if they bloom on old or new wood. How can I determine which they are?
Hi Clara! 😊
To determine if your hydrangeas bloom on old or new wood, observe when they set their buds. If buds form in late summer or fall, they bloom on old wood. If they start budding in spring, they bloom on new wood. Since yours haven’t bloomed yet, try leaving them unpruned next year to see if they flower in early summer (old wood) or later (new wood). Identifying the variety can also help, as different types have specific bloom habits.
Have a nice day 😄
What if the deer eat all the new growth before they even have a chance to really bloom ??
Hi,
Deer can be a real challenge! Try using deer repellents or installing a physical barrier like netting or fencing around your hydrangeas. You can also plant deer-resistant plants nearby to help deter them. This should give your hydrangeas a fighting chance to bloom! 😊
When should I prune mop head hydrangeas?
Hi Eileen!
Mophead hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so the best time to prune them is right after they finish flowering, usually in late summer. Pruning too late in the season can remove the buds for next year’s blooms. Just remove dead or weak stems and shape the plant lightly to keep it healthy and full of flowers! 😊
I have Endless Summer Hydrangeas. Do these bloom on old or new wood? I usually cut old flowers just below flower in fall. Am I correct?My Hydrangea flowers died off this year due to high heat in our area. It is now Aug. 25 2024. Should I cut off flowers now? Thank you for your help.
Hi Loraine!
Endless Summer Hydrangeas are unique because they bloom on both old and new wood, which means they can produce flowers throughout the growing season. You’re correct to cut off the old flowers just below the bloom in the fall, as it helps tidy up the plant.
Since it’s now late August and your flowers have died off due to the heat, you can go ahead and trim the spent blooms now. This will help the plant conserve energy and potentially set new buds for the fall.
Thanks for reaching out. Happy gardening! 😊
Thank you so !much for such great information. This puts me so !much more at ease knowing these points. I so much appreciate your help.
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad I could help and put your mind at ease. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime you need more advice. Happy gardening! 🌸😊
I have an everblooming hydrangea. What is the best time to prune?
Hi Gloria!
For everblooming hydrangeas, the best time to prune is right after the first round of blooms in early summer. Since they bloom on both old and new wood, light pruning after the initial bloom encourages new growth and more flowers later in the season. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or early spring, as this could remove buds that would bloom later. Keep it light, and your hydrangea should continue to thrive! 🌸✂️
How do you know when the first flush of blooms is over? Mine bloom all the way into fall. Do I leave the dry blooms on all winter as interest? Or trim right below the buds and then take a third off in early spring?
Also, is it normal that my bushes wilt everyday in the afternoon sun? They seem to be vibrant and healthy despite the wilting.
Hi Beth!
You’ll know the first bloom flush is over when the flowers fade. You can leave the dried blooms for winter interest and trim in early spring. Wilting in the afternoon sun is normal, as long as they look vibrant and healthy otherwise, there’s no need to worry. Just make sure they’re getting enough water, and they’ll keep thriving! 🌿💧
For Endless Summer hydrangeas is it typical that all of the exposed old growth dies during the winter in northern states? On my plants every branch that was not protected by leaves or mulch died.
Hi Philip! Yes, that can definitely happen with Endless Summer hydrangeas in colder northern climates. They’re supposed to bloom on both old and new wood, but harsh winters often kill the exposed old growth, especially if it’s not protected. What you’re seeing is common!
Try mulching heavily around the base in late fall and covering the plant with burlap or a frost cloth next winter to help protect those buds. Hopefully, you’ll still get blooms from the new growth! 😊🌸
I have a strawberry Vinland hydrangea. I have only had it less Han a year. Should I prune it this year? Also, is it new or old wood?
Hi Sharon!
The Strawberry Vanilla (or Vanilla Strawberry) hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), which blooms on new wood. This means that it produces flowers on the growth that occurs in the current season.
Since you’ve had it for less than a year, it’s best to wait until late winter or early spring to prune it, before new growth begins. This light pruning will help shape the plant and encourage strong, healthy blooms next year. Enjoy your beautiful hydrangea! 🌸
I have a snowball hydrangea. My problem is they fall over when there is a heavy rain and never stand back up. What to do to strengthen the stems.
Hi Mary Ellen,
Snowball hydrangeas can definitely struggle with drooping after heavy rain due to their big, beautiful blooms.
To help strengthen the stems, try pruning lightly in late winter or early spring, which encourages sturdier growth. You can also add a bit of support, like a peony ring, stakes, or a small garden fence to help keep them upright. Also, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (but not too much nitrogen) can prevent excessive leafy growth, which often leads to weaker stems.
With a little care, your hydrangeas will stand tall and proud, rain or shine! 🌸🌦️
I have a hydrangea. It bloomed 1 flower first summer I moved in. Has done nothing since. Its leaves look healthy and beautiful just no flowers.
Hi Amy!
It sounds like your hydrangea is healthy, but there are a few reasons it might not be blooming. The key to getting those blooms back might be figuring out which type of hydrangea you have. Different varieties have different pruning and care needs—some bloom on old wood, while others bloom on new wood, so pruning at the wrong time could remove those buds. Another possibility is insufficient sunlight; most hydrangeas need at least a few hours of direct sun to bloom well. Also, feeding it with a balanced fertilizer in early spring can sometimes give it the boost it needs to start flowering again.
Don’t lose hope! Healthy leaves are a great sign, and with a little adjustment, you might see blooms next season! 🌸🌿
The man who mows for me chopped my hydrangea to the size of a basketball in April. It was large and loaded with blooms the prior year. After he hacked on it, it did not bloom that year and had only 1 bloom the next year. This year it is loaded again. I don’t know what kind it is nor how to prune it.
Hi Paula!
Oh no! Since you’re not sure of the type, it’s best to take a cautious approach with pruning. For now, avoid heavy pruning until after it blooms. Once it’s done flowering, you can trim it lightly, just enough to shape it and remove any dead wood. This way, you won’t accidentally remove next year’s buds if it’s an old wood bloomer. If you ever identify the type, you’ll be able to fine-tune your pruning routine even more. It sounds like your hydrangea is bouncing back nicely! 🌸
Hi, I have a strawberry sundae hydrangea that I would like to form into a tree. How and when is the best time to do this
Hi Gerri!
To make your Strawberry Sundae hydrangea grow into a tree form, you’ll want to start while the plant is still young. The best time to begin is in early spring, just before new growth starts.
1 – Choose a Strong Central Stem: Identify the strongest, straightest stem to become the trunk of your tree. Remove all other stems at the base to focus the plant’s energy on this central stem.
2 – Support the Main Stem: As the central stem grows, provide support with a stake to keep it upright. Tie the stem loosely to the stake with soft ties, adjusting as it grows.
3 – Encourage Vertical Growth: As the plant grows taller, continue to remove any side branches or competing stems, allowing the central stem to grow upwards.
4 – Form the Canopy: Once your plant reaches the desired height (usually 3-5 feet), let the topmost branches grow to form a canopy. You can start allowing some side branches to develop, but continue removing lower growth to maintain the tree shape.
5 – Pruning: Regularly prune to maintain the shape of the canopy and remove any new growth at the base that could compete with the central trunk.
It might take a couple of seasons, but with patience and regular maintenance, your hydrangea will take on that beautiful tree form! 🌳🌸
I have a hydrangea that started blooming in late spring and bloomed all summer. Not profusely though. I’m having a hard time determining if it is blooming on old wood or new wood. And I don’t know what type it is.
Hi Shirley!
It sounds like your hydrangea might be an everblooming variety, like the Endless Summer type, which blooms on both old and new wood. These hydrangeas can start blooming in late spring and continue through the summer. Since you’re unsure of the type, try to avoid heavy pruning until after it finishes blooming. Light pruning after the first flush of flowers might help encourage more blooms next season. With time, you’ll get a better sense of its blooming pattern! 🌸
I have currently a non-blooming hydrangea much like the one pictured with tall, dead, woody stalks sticking up. Should these be cut out now in Sept., in Illinois? Thx.
Hi Trish!
Yes, you can cut out the tall, dead, woody stalks now in September. Removing the dead wood won’t harm the plant and can help tidy it up. Just be careful not to prune any healthy stems, as they may be setting buds for next year’s blooms. A little fall cleanup will keep your hydrangea looking neat and ready for next season! 🌿✂️
I have a hydrangea that is probably 15 years old. I don’t know what kind it is.It bloomed the first year but I can’t remember if it blooms early in the spring or late summer. It seems to have new growth and also growth on old wood. It is about 3ft tall but never blooms or buds. Don’t know how to get it to bloom. Thanks!
Hi Pat!
It sounds like your hydrangea may be a bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla) or a similar variety that blooms on old wood. If it’s growing on both new and old wood but not blooming, it could be due to improper pruning or winter damage, which might be removing the buds.
To help it bloom again, avoid pruning in late fall or early spring—only trim lightly after it finishes blooming (if it does). Also, make sure it’s getting the right amount of sunlight (a few hours of morning sun is ideal) and consider adding a balanced fertilizer in the spring to give it a boost. With some care, your hydrangea should start blooming again! 🌸
The leaves on my hydrangeas get black spots on them and then the leaves fall off. What do I need to do.
Hi Cindy!
The black spots on your hydrangea leaves are likely caused by a fungal infection, like leaf spot.
To manage this, start by trimming off any affected leaves and disposing of them properly to stop the spread of the fungus. Improving air circulation around the plant by thinning out some branches can also help reduce moisture, which fungi thrive on. When watering, make sure to do so at the base of the plant, keeping the leaves dry, and aim to water early in the morning so the plant can dry throughout the day.
If the issue continues, you might want to consider using a fungicide that’s safe for hydrangeas. With these steps, your plant should start looking much healthier!
I look forward to always having some new info , telling me what is right or wrong. That’s a great gift, anyway I have different plants that have been here over 10/15 yrs,. Always doing well even if I maybe doing them wrong. I believe I have the lime hydrangea, they remain small flower which is fine, just wondering how should I prune them. I usually do late fall, I’m in Midwest/ North Dakota. And I shape them to shorten the height . Any suggestions are welcomed. Thank You for your help. Mary H.
Hi Mary!
It sounds like you’ve got a lovely garden, and it’s great that your plants have thrived for so many years. For your Limelight hydrangeas, which bloom on new wood, pruning in late fall is just fine, especially if you’re aiming to control their height. You can also prune them in early spring before new growth starts if you prefer.
When pruning, remove any dead or weak stems, and shape them to the height you like. Just be sure not to prune too much, as Limelight hydrangeas will put on new growth and bloom beautifully with just a little trimming. Keep doing what you’re doing—it sounds like you’ve got a green thumb! 🌿
What is the best way to clean off the dying leaves on hydrangea plants after a major frost/freeze. Can I just pull off the shriveled leaves?
Hi!
Yes, you can gently pull off the shriveled, dying leaves after a frost or freeze. Just be careful not to tug too hard to avoid damaging any healthy parts of the plant. If the leaves don’t come off easily, you can snip them off with clean garden shears. Clearing away the dead leaves helps the plant stay healthy and tidy as it prepares for dormancy during the colder months. Your hydrangea will appreciate the extra care! 🌿✂️
I have a hydrangea that my son gave me for Easter 10 years ago. I planted it outside on south east corner of house. It has never bloomed for me it was the standard round blossom you get from road side stand.. I cut away the dead stems every spring and it gets bushy with beautiful leaves but no blooms… please advise what should I do to get bloomers. Live in the thumb of Michigan.
Hi Barb!
It sounds like your hydrangea is healthy, but the lack of blooms could be due to a few things. Since it’s an older hydrangea, it might be a Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea), which blooms on old wood. If you’re cutting away stems every spring, you might be removing the buds that would have bloomed. Try holding off on pruning in the spring!
The southeast corner sounds like a good spot, but make sure it’s getting enough morning sun. Hydrangeas need sunlight to bloom, though too much direct afternoon sun can stress them. Also, try adding a balanced fertilizer in the early spring to encourage blooms. With some adjustments, you should start seeing those beautiful flowers again! 🌸
How to transplant a large bush that’s taking up too much room in my garden? So big that cucumbers and tomatoes have woven their way through it ! Yes, found cucumbers in my hydrangea bush.. . And lots of fully ripe grape tomatoes hidden away in the leaves. It’s too big this year. Where to start dividing it, please?
Hi Theresa!
It sounds like your hydrangea decided to throw a garden party and invited the cucumbers and tomatoes to join the fun! 😄
To get that big bush under control, start by giving it a light prune so it’s easier to handle. Water it well the day before to help with the move. Then, dig around the base, as wide as possible, to avoid damaging the roots (cautiously, so you don’t disturb the guests still hiding in there!). Look for natural spots where it can be divided, ensuring each section has a healthy amount of roots!
Once you’ve separated it into smaller sections, replant them, water thoroughly, and keep them moist as they settle into their new spots. Your veggies will be happy to have their space back! 🌿🍅🥒
I have Panicle hydrangeas. This year they went from pale green to white some pink then straight to brown! Why did they skit the beautiful phase of vibrant pinks and mauves before the brown stage? I sure missed the beauty and doing floral arrangements in my house! Thank you for your help.
I live in zone 5
Hi Judy!
Your panicle hydrangeas likely skipped the vibrant pinks due to weather stress, like heat or dryness. Hydrangeas need plenty of water, especially in hot weather, to maintain their full color transition. With extra watering and some mulch, you should see those beautiful colors return next season for your floral arrangements! 🌸💐
When is the best time of year to lower the pH in soil to get blue flowers? What do you recommend to use to lower the pH? I’ve tried Aluminum Sulfate without success for several years. Still can’t get acidic soil or blue flowers.
When the tree/shrub guy mulches the hydrangeas he always puts the mulch up to the stems of plants. I end up pulling the mulch away by a couple inches because I’m afraid it will cause root rot if touching stems. What is the correct way to apply mulch around plants?
Hi Gardengal!
The best time to lower your soil’s pH for blue hydrangea blooms is in the fall or early spring. If aluminum sulfate hasn’t worked, try using elemental sulfur for a more lasting effect. For mulching, you’re right to pull it back! Always leave a couple of inches between the mulch and the stems to prevent root rot. Keep the mulch evenly spread but away from the base for healthy plants! 🌸
Can you tell me the kind of fertilizer that I should get for limelight, hydrangeas, and mop, head hydrangeas thank you in advance. My mop head have beautiful foliage, but does not have very many blooms. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Berneice!
For Limelight and mophead hydrangeas, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like 10-10-10 in spring and early summer. If your mophead has great leaves but few blooms, it might be getting too much nitrogen. Switch to a fertilizer with more phosphorus and ensure it’s getting enough sunlight for better blooming! 🌸
I have 5 amazing large “Incrediball” hydrangea 1-3 years old. I want them to be around 3-4’ tall rather than 5-6’. I pruned early this Spring by cutting off the dried blooms and they got to 5’ and some are on the ground (not from heavy rain.) They must like the eastern sunny exposure. Should I prune to 2’ if I want them to be 3’. I’m guessing they bloom on new wood.
Hi Barbara!
Yes, Incrediball hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Prune them to 2 feet in early spring if you want them to stay around 3-4 feet tall. They should grow back beautifully with plenty of blooms in that sunny spot! 🌸
I have had a hydrangea for about 3 yrs and it’s had flowers when I bought it but it’s never bloomed since. I noticed that the leaves bloom on old wood and it’s growing and leaves are healthy. How can I get it to bloom again?
Hi Kim!
It sounds like your hydrangea is healthy but just needs a little help to bloom again. Since it blooms on old wood, avoid pruning in the spring or fall, as this could remove the buds. Ensure it’s getting enough morning sunlight (but not too much harsh afternoon sun) and consider using a balanced fertilizer in early spring. With the right care, it should start blooming again! 🌸
My hydrangeas have overgrown the bed they are in. How can I prune it to decrease the size but not ruin it?
Hi!
To reduce the size of your hydrangeas without harming them, prune after they finish blooming. Focus on cutting back about a third of the older stems at the base, and trim the outer growth to shape the plant. This will help reduce size while keeping the plant healthy and blooming next season! 🌸✂️
I believe I have a big leaf hydrangea.
And according to your article is Old wood .
Part of your article said it would flower early summer and another Article said it would bloom in the late summer.
(I don’t remember when mine bloomed. I’m not home enough to even notice.)
But now that it is really big and I want to prune it. I don’t know what time of year to do so. Hence, much confusion. Should I wait until late winter to be safe or should I be doing it now?
Hi Dani!
Since your bigleaf hydrangea blooms on old wood, it’s best to prune it right after it finishes blooming in early to mid-summer. Pruning now or in late winter could remove next year’s buds! So, if it’s already big, I’d recommend waiting until next summer right after it flowers before giving it a trim. 🌸
I don’t see much information on lacecap hydrangea. When should those be trimmed.
Hi Mary!
Lacecap hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so the best time to trim them is right after they finish blooming, usually in mid to late summer. Avoid pruning in the fall or early spring, as this could remove next year’s flower buds. Just give them a light trim after flowering 🌸
I think I have incredible Hydrangeas. Should I prune in spring or late fall? The old wood just pulls right out in the spring. New growth starts to come up from the ground.
Hi Jody!
It sounds like you have Incrediball hydrangeas, which bloom on new wood. For these, it’s best to prune in early spring. Removing any dead wood and trimming back old stems will encourage fresh growth from the base. Since new growth comes up from the ground each year, a spring pruning will help them stay healthy and full of blooms! 🌿🌸
My daughter was given a potted gift hydrangea over 25 years ago. It didn’t bloom for 10 years after planting it outside, but developed beautiful leaves every year. One year it was full of beautiful blooms. Since then, it has had blooms but not profusely. The plant has grown very big…wide and tall, and has even had “babies.” My husband has applied fertilizer but not consistently. I’ve occasionally trimmed off dead stalks, but really don’t know what I should do with it. Any suggestions?
Hi Pam!
What a special hydrangea with such a long history! It sounds like it’s thriving in size but could use a bit of consistent care to encourage more blooms. Since it blooms occasionally, it’s likely an old wood variety, meaning it forms flower buds on last year’s growth.
Trim lightly after it blooms and use a balanced fertilizer in the early growing season (spring and early summer. With some consistent care, you’ll hopefully see it bloom more profusely while staying big and beautiful! 🌸🌿
I have a climbing hydrangea that is twenty years old with an eight inch circumference at the base. It has eaten my cinder block garage several times over. I have savagely pruned it often. I now need to strip it off the garage wall because the garage needs to be rebuilt and pointed. Suggestions?
Hi Linda!
Your climbing hydrangea sounds like a real showstopper! To safely remove it, start by cutting back the main stems near the base to make it more manageable. Work section by section, carefully peeling the vines off the garage wall to avoid damaging either the plant or the structure. If it’s deeply attached, use a garden knife or pruners to gently loosen stubborn parts.
Once removed, consider giving the plant a new structure to climb, like a sturdy trellis or arbor, so it has a fresh start after the garage work. Climbing hydrangeas are tough, so with some care, it should bounce back beautifully! 🌿😊
We have the big leaf hydrangeas that are pink and blue and we’re told when we bought them by a nursery to plant them on the north side of our house. The one that does the best is on the corner and also gets the east sun. We have one that gets beautiful foliage but has never had any flowers?
Hi Julie! It sounds like you’re taking great care of them! 😊
Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) can be a bit picky about blooming. If one has great foliage but no flowers, here are a few things to check:
🌞 Sunlight – They need morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much shade can lead to leafy growth but no blooms.
✂️ Pruning timing – They bloom on old wood, so pruning at the wrong time (like fall or early spring) can remove the buds.
🌱 Fertilizer – Too much nitrogen encourages leaves, not blooms. Try switching to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to boost flowering.
That east-facing one is in the sweet spot. Maybe try shifting the others to a similar light setup if possible! 😊🌸✨
Hello I have the smallwr Bobo Hydrangea. Could you help me with pruning info and get them full and beautiful? Thank you.
Hi Debbie! Of course! 😊 Bobo hydrangeas are panicle hydrangeas, which bloom on new wood. That means you should prune them in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.
✂️ Cut them back by about one-third to shape them and encourage fuller, stronger blooms.
🌿 Remove any weak, crossing, or dead stems too.
You’re going to love how full and beautiful they get with a little yearly pruning! 🌸✨
Hello, I have kaleidoscope hydrangeas. They bloomed superbly one year after I planted them since then absolutely no blooms.
Hi Becki! 😊 Kaleidoscope hydrangeas are a type of bigleaf hydrangea, which means they bloom on old wood. If they’re pruned in late fall or early spring, it can remove the buds before they get a chance to bloom. Other things to check:
🌿 Winter damage, cold snaps can kill flower buds;
☀️ Too much shade, they need some sun for blooming;
💧 Too much nitrogen, can cause lots of leaves but no flowers.
Also, try avoiding pruning this year and give them a little phosphorus-rich fertilizer to boost blooms. Fingers crossed for flowers next season! 🌸✨