As difficult and complex as the internet makes hydrangea pruning out to be, it’s actually quite simple if you keep some basic principles in mind.
In this article, we’ll be going over the ideal time to prune hydrangeas according to USDA zones. And, don’t worry, I’ll make sure to include every popular hydrangea variety out there.
Prunning Hydrangeas: The Best Time For Each Growing Zone
Zone 3-4 (Cold Climates)
In zones 3-4 which are considered rather cool growing regions, it’s best to prune well-known hydrangea varieties like Smooth and Panicle hydrangeas around late winter or early spring. Now, some might say that the cold weather can damage the already vulnerable plants, but that’s the thing, it doesn’t.
On the other hand, varieties like Bigleaf and Oakleaf should be pruned right after they finish blooming in summer, as they set their flower buds on old wood.
Zone 5-6 (Moderate Winters)
In zones 5-6, you should prune Smooth, Panicle, and Reblooming hydrangeas in late winter or early spring helps promote strong, healthy growth and abundant blooms. Since these varieties bloom on new wood, cutting them back encourages fresh stems that will flower later in the season
If you have Bigleaf hydrangeas in your garden, prune them right after flowering and make sure you don’t delay this task or else you might lose next year’s blooms.
Zone 7-8 (Mild Winters)
In zone 7-8 mild winters, you want to prune Oakleaf and Bigleaf hydrangeas right after flowering. This will allow the hydrangea plant to develop fresh and healthy new wood off of which new hydrangeas can bloom.
However, prune Panicle and Smooth varieties late in winter for ideal results.
For all the folks planning on pruning their hydrangeas in the fall, make sure to do it early and not wait too long as the emerging winter can damage weakened hydrangea plants.
Zone 9-10 (Warm Climates)
Zones 9-10 offer relatively warmer temperatures, which is why it’s a good idea to prune hydrangea varieties like Bigleaf after they finish blooming.
Panicle and Smooth hydrangea varieties should be pruned early in spring to ensure optimal temperature for recovery.
Try your best not to prune your hydrangeas too late in the season or else they can suffer from heat damage.
Some Important Pruning Tips For All Zones
Conclusion
When it comes to pruning, the only two things that matter are timing and technique. I’m assuming you have the technique part down, so this article is only about the timing aspect. Timing the cutting right will allow your hydrangeas to recover properly while limiting chances of dryness or temperature stress.
Hi there, I think I have a big leaf hydrangea. The gentleman that cuts my lawn cut my hydrangea down late fall and it has no blooms at all this summer. He did the same thing last year and I got some blooms. I’m so confused…when should I cut it back this year if it has no blooms at all? Thanks for your help!
Hi Sarah! That sounds like a bigleaf hydrangea for sure, they bloom on old wood, so cutting them in fall can wipe out next year’s flowers. 😕
If it hasn’t bloomed at all this summer, I’d avoid pruning this year and just let it grow. Give it time to recover and set buds for next season. You’re not alone, my neighbor had the same issue and hers bounced back with lots of blooms after skipping the pruning! 😊
I’m in zone 7a. I have big leaf hydrangeas that were blue and pink all summer and are now a mauve color. I suppose they are fading now. Is it time to cut the flowers off and do I cut them all at once?
Hi Jean! 😊 Yep, sounds like your blooms are just naturally fading, mine do the same around this time in Zone 7. You can deadhead them now if you like a tidier look, but it’s totally optional. I usually snip off the spent ones gradually, a few at a time, just above a pair of healthy leaves. No need to cut them all at once!
When to prune ornamental grasses? I’m in zone 4-5
Hi Yvonne! 😊 For zone 4 to 5, I’d leave ornamental grasses standing through winter, they look pretty in the snow and protect the crown. I cut mine back in early spring before new growth starts.
So when you say prune them, are you saying to cut them below the flower, and leave the stick part? I’m trying to learn how to properly care for my hydrangea bushes! I live in zone 8.
Hi Joan 🙂 For hydrangeas, you usually prune just below the spent flower, down to a healthy pair of leaves or buds. Don’t cut all the “stick” stems back unless you know it’s a smooth or panicle type, because bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood. In Zone 8, I’d prune right after flowering if you’re not sure what kind you have.