February Hydrangea Pruning Tips?

Hydrangeas, commonly sold in North America, can be categorized into five types: bigleaf, mountain, smooth, panicle, and oakleaf. Some form their flower buds on old wood, meaning next summer’s buds are already there. To prune hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, it is essential to know when to prune them. Cutting hydrangea stems at the wrong time of year can lead to unwanted growth.

To maintain the desired size and shape of hydrangeas, cut them all the way back to the ground in late winter or early spring. Smooth hydrangeas produce larger blooms if pruned hard each year, but many gardeners prefer smaller blooms on sturdier stems. Cut out any thin, weak stems around the base and remove one or two of the largest, oldest stems from as low down as possible.

The Royal Horticultural Society recommends pruning hydrangeas in late winter or early spring, which is February or March in most of the UK. This allows time for the plant to grow strong, new, upright stems on which the large flowers bloom. Most pruning is carried out in late winter or early spring, but climbing hydrangeas are pruned after flowering in summer.

For those who are just doing some shaping of plants, prune back stems to just above a fat bud, called a heading cut, in fall, late winter, or spring. Prune about a third of the stems a little harder down the stem to get good foliage and prune the rest for big flowers in summer. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood can be safely pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring.

What is the best month to prune hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are typically pruned in late winter or early spring, with climbing hydrangeas being pruned after flowering in summer. Hydrangeas bloom from mid- to late summer, while mophead and lacecap hydrangeas bloom satisfactorily with little attention. Annual pruning encourages new growth and better flowering display. Other species, including climbing hydrangeas, benefit from a trim. Timing is usually late winter/early spring, but sometimes late summer. Pruning hydrangeas can be easy to moderate.

Can hydrangeas be cut back hard?

Hydrangeas, including Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea aspera, Hydrangea serrata, and Hydrangea quercifolia, can be lightly pruned by cutting back old flower heads to a pair of buds below. Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea aborescens can be harder pruned. If you’re unsure which type of hydrangea you have, deadhead it and observe its growth. If it produces flowers on this year’s growth, prune it harder next year. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) flower on previous year’s growth, so pruning them after flowering is not recommended.

The cork-like structure of hydrangea stems makes it best to leave cutting back until spring, as they hold enough moisture during winter to freeze in frosty weather. Pruning them in autumn after flowering can freeze the buds, killing the stems and their buds. Leaving old flowers on the plant over winter helps protect the stems and their new buds. Once sap starts to rise in spring, buds will open, and many should carry blooms the following year.

Is it OK to prune shrubs in February UK?

Summer-flowering deciduous shrubs like Buddleja davidii, Ceratostigma, Hydrangea paniculata, Lavatera, Leycesteria, Perovskia, hardy fuchsias, and deciduous Ceanothus can be pruned between February and March. Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering to preserve their display. Avoid pruning slightly tender evergreen shrubs like Choisya, which should be left until April, but tackle hardier ones like Prunus laurocerasus.

Can I prune hydrangeas in February UK?

Pruning hydrangeas, such as H. paniculata and H. arborescens, is crucial for their flowering season. It’s recommended to prune these shrubs between February and March to allow time for the plant to grow strong, upright stems, resulting in large, summer-flowering flowers. Old branches can be pruned back to the lowest pair of healthy buds near ground level, or if the shrub has a main trunk for extra height. Failure to prune these hydrangeas can result in a tangled mass of stems and progressively smaller flowers.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back for winter?

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as panicle hydrangea, is a plant with conical-shaped flower heads that can be pruned back to just above a fat bud in fall, late winter, or spring. These plants produce buds in late summer to early fall, which will form next year’s flowers. To maintain winter interest in your landscape, it is recommended to wait until late winter or spring. Popular panicle hydrangeas include Quick Fire®, Limelight, and First Editions® Berry White®.

When should I cut the head off hydrangeas?

Pruning hydrangeas is typically done in late winter or spring, except for climbing hydrangeas which are pruned in summer. Different types of hydrangea require different pruning techniques. To identify the type of hydrangea, wait for its summer flowering and prune it the following year. If unsure, leave it unpruned for a year. The following list shows the most common types of hydrangea found in gardens:

What is the mistake for pruning hydrangeas?

Pruning hydrangeas is best done in late winter and early spring, making it a good weekend job during March. Pruning after winter frosts protects the plant from winter injury. Climbing hydrangeas should be left until early summer, as they produce flowers on old wood. Pruning too early may remove new buds before they bloom. Tom’s Guide offers expert editors to keep you informed and prepared for the prime growing season by pruning your hydrangeas at the right time.

Should you cut hedges in February?

Trimming hedges between March and September can disturb nesting birds and reduce berries available for overwintering birds like fieldfare and redwing. To help these birds, trim your hedge in February or March. Winter cuts are beneficial for the hedge itself as they are dormant. Native hedgerow shrubs only flower and fruit on the previous year’s woody growth, so cut hedges no more than every other year to help species like hawthorn. For a more formal look, trim hedges once to twice a year. Trimming before and after nesting season is beneficial for birds.

How do you prune leggy hydrangeas?

Pruning a hydrangea just above the bud helps maintain its compactness and robustness. Leave it as is, and it may become top-heavy and bare. Trim it 1/3 of the way down for a full-looking shrub. Check for a balanced, open, airy hydrangea-shape, which should be more rounded than square. Avoid boxing hydrangeas, as they don’t suit formal gardens. After pruning, compost the clippings, and your hydrangea is ready to produce beautiful flowers all summer long. Hydrangeas don’t suit formal pruning, so it’s best to avoid boxing.

How to cut back an overgrown hydrangea?

The speaker is indicating that they are not paying sufficient attention and are therefore removing large branches, with the intention of utilising the remaining flowers.

Is February too late to prune?

The months of February and March are optimal for pruning woody landscape plants due to the dormant state of trees and shrubs, the solidification of the ground due to freezing temperatures, and the presence of clear leaves on evergreens and oaks. Increased levels of light and air facilitate the growth of flowers, leaves, and fruits, while simultaneously reducing the potential for moisture-related issues and the incidence of diseases caused by bacteria and fungal pathogens.