When In Central Oregon Should I Prune My Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are a popular plant in Oregon, with most varieties preferring shady spots. However, some varieties can take more sun, which may require more frequent watering to maintain their blooms and leaves. The best time to prune hydrangeas is typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as this allows for the removal of dead or damaged stems.

When pruning bigleaf hydrangeas for optimal growth and blooming, cut back each stem by about one-third of its length to encourage new growth. Most shrub-form hydrangeas sold in North are shrub-form hydrangeas. Pruning depends on the type of hydrangea, with most shrub-form hydrangeas sold in North.

In Oregon, hydrangeas don’t require much care, but there are chores to do during the year, such as grooming, mulching, and transplanting. Pruning should be done in the fall after blooming or in the spring after hard frosts are over. Mophead and Bigleaf hydrangeas should only be pruned just after the flowers have faded and no later.

Spring pruning can help start the season for some Central Oregon plants. If you wait until late-winter/early-spring (around February) when buds below the dead flower begin to swell, the flower tips should be fully formed. Faded flowers on hydrangeas should be removed in fall when the plant is done blooming, and it’s okay to remove some of the oldest twiggy branches. Trimming should be done immediately after flowering stops in summer, but no later than August 1.

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.

When to cut back hydrangeas in Oregon?

To maintain the health of your Hydrangea plant, remove dead flowers in fall or late winter, count two leaf-sets beneath the flower cluster, and cut just above the second set. Repeat-blooming Hydrangeas can be dead-headed as old flowers fade. Pruning branches to knee-level in late winter is recommended. The latest Hydrangea breeding has produced a variety of repeat flowering plants, with buds set on both old and new wood.

These include Blushing Bride, Bloomstruck, Endless Summer® The Original, Pistachio, Twist-n-Shout, and Wedding Gown. Dwarf Hydrangeas are ideal for containers and small garden spaces, as they mature below 3 feet and work well in containers. Many Hydrangea varieties are available due to busy breeders.

Do hydrangeas grow well in the Pacific Northwest?

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that provide summer-long blooms and are hardy low-maintenance plants suitable for Pacific Northwest gardens. They bloom from summer to frost and can be pruned to maintain their shape. Faded flowers should be removed in the fall, and some of the oldest branches can be removed annually or lightly pruned. For older Mophead Hydrangeas, up to one-third of the stems can be cut back to the ground. Heavy, aggressive pruning can ruin flowering for the following year, but can be done in late Winter or early Spring. Before pruning, it’s important to know the three ways hydrangeas flower.

How do you prune hydrangeas in the Pacific Northwest?

It is a common practice among horticulturists to prune panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) back to the ground on an annual basis. This pruning is typically conducted in February and results in the plant being trimmed to a height of between three and twelve inches. This annual task should not impede their flowering capabilities, as they produce flowers on new growth.

How do you prune leggy hydrangeas?

To prune hydrangeas, start in early spring by cutting back last year’s growth to a healthy framework between 30cm and 60cm high. Prune to just above a pair of healthy buds on each stem, and cut back to the lowest healthy buds for big flowers or less hard for a natural look or taller plant. Climbing hydrangeas like Hydrangea anomola subsp. petiolaris and Hydrangea seemannii should not be pruned until after flowering.

When can I cut the sticks out of my hydrangeas?

The pruning of dead canes of hydrangeas may be undertaken at any point in the year. However, it is advisable to exercise caution during the autumn and winter months, as the plants may be susceptible to damage.

What growing zone is central Oregon?

Central Oregon, also known as Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, is primarily in USDA growing zones 6a to 7a, with winter temperatures as low as -10 degrees. However, small pockets are in zone 5b, where temperatures can drop to -15 degrees. These growing zones, also known as planting zones or hardiness zones, help gardeners and growers determine the best plants for their location. For example, much of central and western Deschutes County is in zone 6b.

What is the best fertilizer for hydrangeas to bloom?

Organic, slow-release fertilizers for roses and hydrangeas are suitable for increasing the size and quantity of their blooms. Rose fertilizers, such as 15-10-10 or 10-5-5, provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, while hydrangeas require balanced fertilizers with a 10-10-10 ratio for healthy growth.

Growers often ask if they need to purchase different types of fertilizer for multiple hydrangea types. The answer is no, as the same type of fertilizer can be used for all types. However, adjustments may be needed if enhancing or changing the color of specific hydrangea blooms.

However, some types of fertilizer can cause harm, and Natalie Carmolli of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs advises against using acidic fertilizers.

Should I cut my hydrangea down to the ground?

To rejuvenate a hydrangea plant, it is recommended that the stems be cut close to the ground, as the bloom buds are produced on the older wood. It is recommended that up to one-third of the older stems be removed each summer. This practice will result in a reduction of the floral display in the spring and summer months.

Do hydrangeas do well in central Oregon?

The smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) and panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) are the most suitable varieties for Central Oregon, as they bloom in accordance with the current season’s growth patterns.