Pruning hydrangeas seems daunting to many people, but it is a simple process that requires only a few essential tools and techniques. Before we dive into pruning, let’s first learn about the types of hydrangeas. There are two main types of hydrangeas; Endless Summer® Collection and Pruning groups 2 and 3 hydrangeas.
The Endless Summer® Collection hydrangeas are the most well-known late-blooming hydrangeas and have been around for a while. These hydrangeas can bloom on both old and new wood and produce lively shades of pink or blue, depending on the soil conditions. The Pruning groups 2 and 3 hydrangeas, on the other hand, only bloom on new wood. The main difference between these types of hydrangeas is that the Endless Summer® Collection hydrangeas need to be pruned very carefully, while the Pruning groups 2 and 3 hydrangeas can tolerate harder pruning.
Here are the steps to prune your late-blooming hydrangeas:
1. Timing
It is crucial to prune your late-blooming hydrangeas at the right time. The best time to prune hydrangeas is in late winter or early summer when the hydrangea hasn’t produced flower buds yet. If you wait until the hydrangea has already started to produce flower buds, you’ll be cutting off its future blooms.
2. Remove Dead Wood
Use pruning shears to remove dead or damaged growth from your hydrangea shrub. There is no need to make a specific cut; just trim the deadwood back to the nearest healthy growth above the dead section.
3. Trim off Overlapping Branches
Remove branches that are crossing over one another or rubbing the bark of the adjacent branch. These branches will eventually weaken the plant and should be clipped back to the branch collar.
4. Cut Back Limbs
Use hand pruners to cut back any limbs that are overgrowing the desired size or are out of shape. Make specific pruning cuts at a 45-degree angle slightly above a healthy bud, new growth, or junction of the branch collar. Do not cut entirely down to the base of the shrub.
5. Shape the Plant
Shaping your late-blooming hydrangea is essential to keep your plant looking elegant. Cut the branches that are too long and trim the ends of branches to promote bushier growth. Create a rounded or dome shape by removing any excess branches along the outline.
6. Maintenance pruning
Once you have pruned your hydrangea’s long branches, it’s time for maintenance pruning. Maintenance pruning involves shortening the plant’s new growth to ensure your hydrangea remains neat and tidy. You can prune up to a third of the new growth without affecting any future blooms.
In conclusion, pruning your late-blooming hydrangeas should not be intimidating. On the contrary, it is a gratifying experience that will provide a healthier and prettier shrub. Remember to take our simple steps to prune your hydrangeas effectively. Additionally, ensure that you know which type of hydrangeas you have in your garden and follow their specific pruning guidelines. Happy pruning!