How to Prune Every Type of Hydrangea for a Burst of Growth and Color?

Pruning hydrangeas can little bit scary for first timers. So, depending on the type of hydrangea you’ve in your backyard, you should prune or just deadhead it.

After reading this write-up you’ll know what type of hydrangeas are need to deadhead and which type need to be pruned to encourage blooming.

Based on this we can classify two varieties of hydrangeas one that you can prune and other which need to be cut close to the ground to promote new growth after winter.

Panicle hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas are said to bloom on new wood. So, you can prune them early spring.

On other side, there are three varieties that need to be dead head, which include big leaf hydrangeas, mountain hydrangeas and oak leaf hydrangeas. (Source)

If you want to have a floral of blossoms in your garden, then it is essential that you keep note of the hydrangea variety and consider the climatic conditions in your region before pruning.

To make it simple, new wood hydrangeas (smooth and panicle hydrangeas) pruning isn’t critical as old wood type. Prune new wood hydrangea in early spring prior to flower bud or after flowering.

Old wood hydrangeas (bigleaf, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas) need to be pruned right after flowering. It promotes new growth in next season.

As an exception, Endless summer hydrangea which belongs to big leaf hydrangea can bloom on new wood. You can bloom this hydrangea type at anytime but not when the plant is about to flowering.

Check this: How Many Hours of Sunlight Do Hydrangea Need to Bloom?

How to Prune Hydrangeas?

Pruning hydrangeas is more than just a garden chore—it’s a way to revitalize your plants, helping them bloom bigger and better each year.

Done right, pruning encourages healthy growth, prevents overcrowding, and improves air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease.

Plus, it gives your garden a neat and tidy appearance.

However, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to hydrangeas. The method and timing for pruning depend on the type you have, as each species blooms on different wood (either old wood from the previous year or new wood that grows in the current season).

When to Prune Hydrangeas?

The timing of pruning is just as important as the technique. Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood—like Bigleaf and Oakleaf varieties—should be pruned immediately after they flower, usually in late summer or early fall.

On the other hand, hydrangeas that bloom on new wood—such as Smooth and Panicle types—are pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.

Pruning at the wrong time could result in fewer blooms or delay the flowering season.

The key is knowing which type of hydrangea you have and understanding its blooming cycle.

Also Read: How to Grow Hydrangeas Indoors?

Different Hydrangea Varieties and When to Prune them?

Hydrangeas are classified into several species, each with its own unique growth habits and pruning needs.

The most common types include Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Smooth, and Panicle hydrangeas.

Each of these varieties requires specific care when it comes to pruning, so let’s dive into the details.

How to Prune Bigleaf Hydrangeas?

Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are perhaps the most popular hydrangea variety, known for their large, rounded clusters of flowers in vibrant blues, purples, and pinks.

This variety blooms on old wood, meaning the buds for next year’s flowers are formed during the current growing season.

Since Bigleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood, the best time to prune them is immediately after they finish flowering, which is typically in late summer.

Pruning too late in the season can result in the removal of flower buds, leaving you with fewer blooms the following year.

• Remove Dead Wood: Start by cutting away any dead or damaged branches. These won’t contribute to the plant’s health and could harbor disease.
• Cut Back Flowering Stems: After the flowers have faded, trim the flowering stems down to a set of healthy leaves or buds. This will encourage the plant to direct its energy into producing new growth.
• Shape the Plant: If your Bigleaf Hydrangea has grown too tall or wide, lightly trim it to maintain a desirable shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can remove too many flower buds.
• Thin Out Older Stems: Every few years, remove one-third of the oldest stems down to the base of the plant. This helps rejuvenate the plant, allowing new, healthier stems to take their place.

Must Read: How to Change Hydrangea Colours – Pink, Blue & Purple Flowers?

How to Prune Oakleaf Hydrangeas?

Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are known for their unique, oak-shaped leaves and large, cone-shaped flower clusters.

They add wonderful texture and interest to any garden, especially in the fall when their leaves turn rich shades of red and orange.

Like Bigleaf Hydrangeas, Oakleafs bloom on old wood, so timing is key.

Prune Oakleaf Hydrangeas immediately after they flower in late summer or early fall. This ensures that you don’t cut off the flower buds for the next year.

• Remove Dead or Damaged Stems: Begin by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased stems to improve the overall health of the plant.
• Trim Flowering Stems: After the blooms have faded, cut the flowering stems back to a set of healthy buds. This will encourage more vigorous growth next season.
• Shape and Thin: If your Oakleaf Hydrangea is getting too large, lightly trim it to maintain the desired size and shape. You can also remove the oldest stems at the base to encourage new growth.
• Don’t Over-prune: Oakleaf Hydrangeas don’t typically require heavy pruning. In fact, too much pruning can reduce the number of flowers you’ll get next season. Stick to light pruning for shaping and rejuvenating the plant.

How to Prune Smooth Hydrangeas?

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), also known as Annabelle hydrangeas, are a favorite for their large, white snowball-like blooms.

Unlike Bigleaf and Oakleaf hydrangeas, Smooth Hydrangeas bloom on new wood, which means they produce flowers on the current season’s growth.

Smooth Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Since they bloom on new wood, pruning encourages the growth of strong, healthy stems that will support the weight of their large blooms.

• Cut Back Hard: Smooth Hydrangeas benefit from hard pruning. Cut the stems down to about 6-12 inches above the ground. This may seem drastic, but it helps the plant produce larger, more vigorous blooms.
• Remove Dead or Weak Growth: Cut away any dead or weak stems to allow more light and air to reach the center of the plant. This also helps reduce the risk of disease.
• Shape the Plant: After the hard prune, focus on shaping the plant by removing any errant or crossing branches. Smooth Hydrangeas tend to grow quickly, so shaping them at this stage will help maintain a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

How to Prune Panicle Hydrangeas?

Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are known for their elongated flower clusters that often start white and gradually turn pink or red as the season progresses.

This variety is one of the hardiest hydrangeas and blooms on new wood, making them more forgiving when it comes to pruning.

Panicle Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.

Because they bloom on new wood, pruning them at this time will encourage the development of new, flower-producing stems.

• Cut Back by One-Third: Start by cutting back the entire plant by about one-third of its total height. This encourages strong growth and more abundant blooms.
• Remove Dead or Weak Growth: Prune away any dead, damaged, or weak stems. This will not only improve the plant’s overall health but also help direct energy toward producing stronger stems and larger flowers.
• Shape the Plant: Focus on shaping the plant by removing any errant branches. Panicle Hydrangeas tend to grow upright, so trimming them for shape can help maintain a balanced look.
• Annual Pruning: Panicle Hydrangeas can tolerate heavier pruning than some other types, so don’t be afraid to give them a good trim each year to keep them looking their best.

How to Prune Mountain Hydrangeas?

Mountain Hydrangeas resemble Bigleaf Hydrangeas but are smaller, hardier, and ideal for colder climates. Native to Japan and Korea, they bloom on old wood, with flowers forming from buds grown the previous year.

Mountain Hydrangeas should be pruned right after they finish blooming, usually in late summer or early fall.

Since these plants bloom on old wood, pruning them at the wrong time, such as in winter or early spring, could remove the buds that would produce the next year’s flowers.

• Remove Spent Blooms: Start by cutting off the spent flower heads just above the first set of healthy leaves. This allows the plant to channel its energy into strengthening its roots and stems for next year’s growth.
• Thin Out Older Stems: Every few years, you’ll want to remove one-third of the oldest, thickest stems at the base. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
• Shape the Plant: Trim back any wayward branches or shoots to maintain a compact, rounded shape. However, avoid over-pruning, as this can reduce the number of flower buds for the following season.
• Minimal Pruning for New Plants: If your Mountain Hydrangea is newly planted, limit pruning to just removing dead or weak branches. These plants take a couple of seasons to mature, and heavy pruning could stunt their growth.

Mountain Hydrangeas don’t require as much pruning as some other hydrangea types, so a light touch is usually sufficient.

With the right care, these hardy shrubs will reward you with delicate, lace-like blooms year after year.

How to Prune Climbing Hydrangeas?

Climbing Hydrangeas stand out for their vine-like growth, perfect for vertical gardening on walls, fences, and trellises. Their white, lacy flower clusters resemble lacecap varieties. These hydrangeas bloom on old wood, requiring different pruning techniques than those that bloom on new wood.

Climbing Hydrangeas should be pruned right after they finish flowering, usually in early to mid-summer. This gives the plant time to develop new buds for the following year without sacrificing blooms.

• Remove Spent Blooms: After the flowers have faded, trim them off just above the first set of healthy leaves. This will help the plant conserve energy and focus on developing new growth.
• Control Growth: Climbing Hydrangeas can become quite vigorous, especially if left unchecked. If your plant is starting to outgrow its space, prune back any excessively long or unruly vines. Cut them down to a manageable length, but avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
• Thin Out Old Stems: Like other hydrangeas, Climbing Hydrangeas benefit from occasional thinning to improve air circulation. Every two to three years, remove some of the oldest stems at the base to encourage new growth.
• Train and Shape: Climbing Hydrangeas can be trained to grow along walls or fences. When pruning, focus on shaping the plant to follow the desired path. Remove any wayward vines that are growing in the wrong direction, and tie up new shoots to guide their growth.
• Minimal Pruning for New Plants: If your Climbing Hydrangea is newly planted, avoid heavy pruning. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches and let the plant establish itself in its new environment.

How to Care Hydrangeas after Pruning?

Pruning aftercare in terms of regrowth and flowering is very crucial. Immediately after pruning, hydrangeas require deep watering for recovery, especially after heavy pruning.

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, as hydrangeas prefer well-drained soil. Apply organic mulch in a layer around the base of the plant; it will retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature and reduce weeds.

Feed your hydrangeas a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for new growth. Avoid fertilizing right after you prune because the plant does need some time to heal and build itself up.

Observe your plant for signs of stress like wilting or yellowing leaves. Make sure it receives the right amount of sun-most varieties of hydrangea prefer partial shade. Protect newly pruned stems from frost and rough weather with extra mulch, or by draping the plant in cold snaps.

Conclusion

Unlike other plants in your garden, pruning hydrangeas isn’t a one-size-fits-all task.

You should consider the hydrangea variety and the climatic condition in your region to keep the plant blooming.

By understanding the growth habits of each variety and knowing when and how to prune, you can encourage a burst of new growth and vibrant blooms that will keep your garden looking beautiful year after year.

Whether you’re trimming back your Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Smooth, or Panicle Hydrangeas, a little well-timed care can go a long way in ensuring your hydrangeas thrive.

So grab your pruning shears, and get ready to enjoy a garden full of lush, colorful hydrangea blooms.