In The Midwest, When Should Hydrangeas Be Pruned?

Pruning hydrangeas is essential for their growth and propagation. It is recommended to prune them in mid-spring when frost has passed and the danger of frost has passed in your growing zone. Big Leaf Hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea macrophylla, should be pruned back stems to just above a fat bud called a heading cut in fall, late winter, or spring. These plants have conical-shaped flower heads and should be left with dry, tan flower heads on.

For hydrangeas that flower on new wood, they should be pruned in late winter or early spring just before new growth has started. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) flowers on new wood and should be pruned down hard to 1 foot in early March. To produce larger flowerheads on strong, upright branches, hard prune to 1 foot.

Macrophylla hydrangeas should be pruned shortly following the fading of the flowers in late summer to allow the shrub to produce new growth. They can be pruned from late winter to early spring and can be drastically cut back in the fall. Trimming should be done immediately after flowering stops in summer but no later than August 1.

Hydragotes that bloom on new wood can be safely pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring. As a rule of thumb, plan to prune only 1/3 of the height and width of your new-wood blooming hydrangea in late winter or early spring.

What happens if you don’t cut back hydrangeas?

Regular pruning of hydrangeas is crucial for maintaining their shape and promoting new growth, resulting in larger, healthier flowers. Deadheading hydrangeas, which involves removing spent flowers from the stem, can also help encourage better blooming later on. However, not all hydrangeas can benefit from this method, as it may result in a tangled mass of woody stems and smaller, less showy flowers.

When to prune hydrangeas in the Midwest?

The climbing hydrangea (hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris) grows to 50-60 feet and requires pruning in early March. The smooth hydrangea (hydrangea arborescens) flowers on new wood and should be pruned down to 1 foot in early March. Failure to prune regularly can result in a top-heavy shrub that flops to the ground by mid-season. The bigleaf hydrangea (hydrangea macrophylla) flowers on old wood and should be pruned shortly after it flowers. Gardeners should not wait too late into fall before pruning, as late-season pruning can stimulate tender new growth that might be killed during winter.

The panicle hydrangea (hydrangea paniculata) and its cultivars also flower on new wood but don’t require drastic pruning. They look best if one-third of the old growth is pruned back in late winter. The oakleaf hydrangea (hydrangea quercifolia) flowers on old wood but is often left unpruned due to its attractive spreading habit.

What month do you cut hydrangeas down?

Pruning hydrangeas that bloom on new wood is safe and can be done in late fall or early spring. The next year’s flower buds won’t form until late spring, so pruning in fall or spring won’t remove them. If you prefer a dried look in winter, leave them on and prune them in spring. If you live in a heavy snow load area or prefer a tidier look, prune them in late fall to early winter. Examples of hydrangeas that bloom exclusively on new wood include:

When to cut back hydrangeas in Minnesota?

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as panicle hydrangea, is a plant with conical-shaped flower heads that provide winter interest. It is best to prune back stems to just above a fat bud, called a heading cut, in fall, late winter, or spring. Quick Fire®, Limelight, and First Editions® Berry White® are plants that produce buds in late summer to early fall, so they should be pruned after they finish blooming and before August.

Should I cut off brown hydrangea blooms?

While deadheading is beneficial for plants, it should be discontinued in mid to late fall to allow the blooms to remain intact throughout the winter season.

Is it better to prune hydrangeas in fall or spring?

The pruning of hydrangeas in New Hampshire is best done in spring, as they are in the process of going dormant and producing little new growth. This time is also at a higher risk of winter injury due to the vulnerability of new growth at the site of wounds. Additionally, fall pruning can reduce the number of flowers the following summer.

The bigleaf hydrangeas, commonly grown in New Hampshire, develop their flowers at the tips of stems on old wood from the previous year. If these buds are killed or damaged during winter, the hydrangea’s flowering potential is reduced. To prune these plants, make pruning cuts one quarter inch above the first set of live buds, and cut dead stems flush to the base.

The other common hydrangea species in New Hampshire, such as smooth, panicle, and oakleaf, also bloom on new growth. To improve the overall plant structure and habit, remove spent flowers and prune the plants in late winter and early spring before leaf emergence.

Should hydrangeas be deadheaded before winter?

Deadheading hydrangeas is a one-time process, as they can change color for months. In milder climates, deadheading promotes foliage growth and stops energy from seed production. In colder climates, deadheading occurs in the spring to protect buds from frost. Mop-head hydrangea should be deadheaded in spring, while lacecap hydrangea can be deadheaded at the end of summer. However, deadheading isn’t necessary for hydrangea plant health.

Plants without deadheading don’t show a sharp decline in flowering or growth in subsequent years. Some gardeners leave faded flower heads for winter interest, while others remove them when they fade, turn brown, or look tattered.

Should hydrangeas be cut all the way back in the winter?

To achieve larger flowers in hydrangeas, cut them all the way back in late winter or early spring. Smooth hydrangeas produce larger blooms if pruned hard, but some gardeners prefer smaller blooms on sturdier stems. To reduce flopping, cut stems to 18-24 inches to provide a sturdy framework to support new growth. This helps prevent branches from falling over under the weight of blooms, especially after overhead irrigation or good rain.

Can you cut hydrangeas down to the ground in the fall?

The cultivation of New Wood Bloomers is relatively straightforward, as they exhibit annual blooms regardless of the level of care or treatment applied. Pruning can be performed in the fall, with the plants emerging in the spring and producing a display of attractive blooms.

How to prepare your hydrangea for winter?

In late fall, it is advisable to undertake a series of preparatory tasks in order to ensure the health and vitality of your garden over the winter months. These include the removal of excess organic matter, the application of water prior to the arrival of the first frost, the pruning of plants to encourage growth and the addition of a thick layer of mulch. In addition, it is important to provide protection for your garden by wrapping it with appropriate materials.