Prune hydrangeas: advice and recommendations

They are one of the most spectacular blooms of good weather. Acidic plants that are not complicated to grow and that, in addition, give us their flowers continuously during practically all the summer months. However, we do have to be delicate when it comes to pruning hydrangeas.

Far from being a side job, pruning hydrangeas is absolutely vital. On this task will depend the flowering of next summer. But not only that: this task is also essential for the correct development of the plant. For this reason, it should not be done lightly, but rather with knowledge of how to prune hydrangeas correctly.

And it is not only important to know when to prune hydrangeas. So is choosing correctly which branches to prune. A guarantee that, next summer, the plant will look full of flowers again.

HOW TO PRUN HYDRANGES

As it happens with the rest of the plants, pruning the hydrangea is a way to clean up the plant. Like other plants, they tend to have a lot of branches. That is why it is important to remove part of it. Make no mistake: this does not imply shearing the plant. Actually, it fundamentally seeks to make the plant concentrate its nutrients in order to grow and flourish correctly.

Unlike other plants, in the case of the hydrangea it is vital. We are talking about a plant with a very high demand for water. If the plant has too many branches that are not suitable for flowering, it will be spending too many resources on branches that will never flower. A compelling reason so that, both for sustainability and for the good future of the plant, we correctly carry out the pruning of the hydrangea.

We insist that it has to be done correctly because it is not a pruning to be done lightly. Before putting scissors, it is essential that we thoroughly know the characteristics of its branches. Or, rather, the types of branches that the hydrangea has. Some marked above all by antiquity, and on which even the shape of the plant depends. Something that we cannot ignore either, since the hydrangea is an ornamental plant.

Tools and way to prune hydrangeas

Before you start pruning, it’s important to review our pruning tools. Not only to guarantee that they are in good condition but also to guarantee that the cuts are clean. It also does not hurt to disinfect the tools before use. It is important to remember that any cut is a wound. Hence, it has to be as aseptic as possible.

It is important to choose the right tool for the type of branch. For the thinnest, we can use a simple pruning shears. For those older ones, we will have to use long-handled pruning shears. Thanks to it, we can reach any corner of the plant. Not only that: they allow a better cut on branches that are more resistant due to their size.

The best way to prune hydrangeas is by making a slanting cut. In this way, the water will drain from the wounds. Although it may seem like a minor gesture, the truth is that it is vital. Thanks to this inclination, we will be able to prevent fungi from proliferating in the cuts.

Know the branches to prune hydrangeas correctly

Knowing these details, it is time to know more about its branches. Let’s differentiate the three types to know how to prune hydrangeas based on this:

• Old branches: they are the most woody and oldest. They are usually in the center of the plant and, on many occasions, they even intersect. These types of branches must be eliminated completely, since they only subtract nutrients from the plant. Something that also subtracts energy from other branches that can flourish
• Young branches: are those branches that are around three years old. For these branches, the ideal is to prune them to 50% of their length. If you still have old flowers, the ideal is to cut above the bud.
• Suckers – Unlike other plants, suckers on hydrangeas are positive. They are the youngest branches, with a stem that usually starts from the base of the plant. From these branches is where the flowers are born, so you never have to prune them. They will not only bloom but also ensure the rejuvenation of the plant.

WHEN TO PRUN HYDRANGES

A recurring question is knowing when to prune hydrangeas. Something that does not have a single answer, but depends largely on the type of plant it is. Therefore, in addition to identifying the branches, it is also important to identify what plant it is. Something simple since it is usual to find two types of hydrangeas: the macrophylla and the panicle or arborescent.

Let’s see the two most common to know when to prune the hydrangeas we have:

When to Prune Hydrangeas Macrophyllas

They are the most common, and easily identifiable. They are characterized by having very large flowers usually in any variety of pinks, blues and whites. If this is our case, the ideal is that after the summer we eliminate the withered flowers by pruning above the last bud of the branch. Also at this time before autumn, the ideal is that we remove dead and weak branches.

With the end of winter and as long as there is no frost, it is time to prune these hydrangeas properly. It is important to clear the central part of the plant, removing the oldest branches. For this task, the ideal is to cut at ground level.

When it comes to pruning these hydrangeas, there is something important to consider. If we can a lot, next year we will have fewer flowers although larger. If we are conservative with pruning, there will be many flowers but smaller.

When to Prune Panicular or Tree Hydrangeas

A very unique hydrangea. Instead of the classic round flower clusters, in this case the shape is conical. In addition to eliminating withered flowers and weak branches, from the end of summer we can consider pruning them. It is only important to keep one thing in mind: if we live in a cold climate, the ideal is to wait until the end of winter. In this way, the plant will not compromise with the cold.

When it comes to pruning hydrangeas of this type, ideally you should prune close to the buds of the new stems. It also does not hurt to clear the central branches of the hydrangea to give it more light.

Finally and linked to this task, it is worth accompanying it with the application of a specific fertilizer for these plants. An ideal way to help them regrow with strength and energy.

Go ahead and prune hydrangeas with our tips and enjoy their wonderful flowers!