How To Prune Hydrangeas That Have Dead Blossoms?

Deadheading hydrangeas is a simple and effective method to remove old blooms and encourage re-bloom. This process redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new growth, rather than seeds. Deadheading spent blooms can be done using clean and sharp secateurs or pruners, and gloves for hand protection.

For mophead hydrangeas, deadheading can be done in mild areas, but it is advisable to leave them. To deadhead a hydrangea plant, use clean and sharp secateurs or pruners, and gloves for hand protection. Locate a node and use sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers to snip off the flowers and their stems.

For reblooming varieties of hydrangea, deadheading will promote a more prolific second flowering and even the next season’s flowering. Deadheading, along with pruning, allows the stems to grow. For mophead hydrangeas, hold onto the flower and trace fingers down to the stem until you find the first set of large leaves. Use dual blade pruners to make a clean cut just above the leaves.

To properly deadhead, cut the faded bloom just below the flower head and above the next set of large leaves. If it’s before August, cut spent blooms with a long stem attached. Examine the stem where it meets the larger branch and make the cut directly above these leaves. Always cut to a point right above a set of leaves to keep the plant tidy and allow it the best chance of resisting pest and disease at the cut. Cut the stem about half an inch above the new buds to prevent them from developing into new flowers.