How To Prune The Original Hydrangeas’ Aging Blooms?

Deadheading is a simple process that involves removing the flowers from a plant once they have spent and before they develop seeds or rot away. It is not a form of pruning, as it doesn’t affect the branches at all. Deadheading is more like chores of cleaning and tidying than pruning. To deadhead hydrangeas, start by identifying the type of hydrangea you have and cut them in the morning when it’s cooler. The trick to successful pruning lies in knowing your species and whether it blooms on old wood or new wood.

Pruning all types of hydrangeas requires identifying the variety you will be pruning. Panicle and smooth hydrangeas can be pruned down by cutting them down to the next set of large leaves. Cut out one or two of the oldest stems at the base to encourage the production of new, replacement growth that will produce more flowers. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood can be safely pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring.

To properly deadhead hydrangeas, cut the faded bloom just below the flower head. Remove old flowering stems as soon as the blooms fade in summer. Trim stems by one-third just before September, as needed, to prevent the spread of disease through the bush. If it’s before August, cut the spent blooms with a long stem attached. Examine the stem where it meets the larger branch to ensure it’s healthy.

In summary, deadheading is a quick and easy process to remove fading blooms from hydrangeas, allowing the plant to use its energy to produce new growth instead of seeds. It’s essential to choose the right time to prune hydrangeas to ensure full or failed blooms.