With their large flowerheads and lush foliage, hydrangeas are a beautiful addition to any shady border. Pruning them correctly ensures they will produce a spectacular show of blooms year after year. Before you begin, it’s important to identify the type of hydrangea you have, as each variety has different pruning needs. If you're not sure, let it grow for one season and identify it by its flowers.
Here are the most common types of hydrangeas and how to prune them:
Hydrangea macrophylla (Mophead and Lacecap)
Mophead hydrangeas have large, round flowerheads. Do not deadhead these in autumn. The dried flowers offer frost protection for new buds. In early spring, cut last year's flowered stems back to the first pair of strong buds below the old flowerhead. You can also cut one or two old stems all the way to the base to encourage fresh new growth and more blooms.
Lacecap hydrangeas have flat flowerheads with a ring of outer petals. You can deadhead them after flowering by cutting back to the second pair of leaves below the flowerhead. Like mopheads, cut back one or two of the oldest stems in spring to promote new growth.
Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens
These types, known for their long, conical (paniculata) or huge, round (arborescens) flowerheads, are very easy to prune. In early spring, cut back last year's growth to a pair of healthy buds. For a more compact, bushy plant, you can prune hard to about 25 cm (10 inches) above the ground. For a taller shrub, prune to about 60 cm (2 feet) high.
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
This variety is known for its lobed leaves that turn red in autumn. In spring, simply prune to remove any dead wood or overly long stems.
Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)
A self-clinging climber, this hydrangea should be pruned right after it flowers. Cut back any shoots that are too long. Since most of the flowers appear near the top of the plant, avoid pruning this area too hard.
With the right technique, you can easily maintain your hydrangeas and enjoy their beautiful blooms. If you need more advice, our team at Carpenters Nursery would be happy to help.
