When Should I Prune My Hydrangeas In Alabama?

The optimal time to prune hydrangeas in Alabama is typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as this allows for the removal of dead or damaged parts and encourages vigorous new growth. The timing and method of pruning depend on the species being grown, but most hydrangeas benefit from pruning after they have finished blooming (late summer/early). Climbing hydrangeas require light pruning, mostly cleaning out dead wood and any wild, hanging branches. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood can be safely pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring.

The height you choose to prune smooth hydrangeas is strictly personal preference, and pruning after initial flowering can even stimulate a second flower period. In central Alabama, these variations typically bloom around July 4. Experts recommend pruning these hydrangeas in late winter or early spring, with two distinct methods recommended: cutting smooth hydrangeas 6 to 12 inches from the ground or at half its height, and Panicle hydrangeas, which do best as a tree, taking away flowering shoots to the next bud.

For panicle and smooth hydrangeas, it is best to prune them immediately after flowering by cutting back flowering shoots to the next bud. They can be pruned starting immediately after they flower on into fall and winter, and in contrast to early blooming hydrangeas, they should be pruned in the winter when they are dormant. After pruning, fertilize the plant to ensure healthy growth and disease resistance.

When to trim hydrangea bushes in Alabama?

The Alabama Hydrangea Society recommends pruning panicle and smooth hydrangeas in late winter or early spring. Two distinct methods are recommended for these shrubs: pruning in mid to late February before leaf buds break dormancy, and pruning in the second year afterward. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) like ‘Limelight’, ‘Tardiva’, ‘Grandiflora’, and ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ benefit from annual hard pruning to stimulate growth and keep them at a manageable 6-8′ size with blooms at eye-level.

To develop an architectural framework, prune panicle hydrangeas in three years: first year, give them a hard pruning to about 12-18″ tall; second year, come up one or two nodes from the original cut and prune the shrub a little taller; third year, repeat the process and prune the shrub a bit taller still. This method will produce more stems and create a fuller, less lanky, more attractive form to the shrub.

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) like ‘Annabelle’, ‘Incrediball’, ‘Hayes Starburst’, and ‘Bella Anna’ also bloom on new growth and should be pruned in mid to late February before leaf buds break dormancy. Smooth hydrangeas produce many thin straight stems each coming up independently from the crown of the shrub, which can be cut to the ground annually to grow and produce the largest blooms.

However, they tend to break under the weight of their large blooms, so it is recommended to prune old stems to a height of 6″ to 12″. This will provide a stronger support for the weight of the blooms and ensure that the plants remain healthy and attractive.

Filtering panicle hydrangeas should be done around late March once leaves begin to appear.

When should I cut the heads 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:

When can I cut back endless summer hydrangeas?

Endless Summer Hydrangeas are a new breed of hydrangea that blooms on both new and old wood, making them more versatile in the landscape. However, they should not be pruned in the fall, but only in May. This is due to the Endless Summer series’ ability to bloom on both new and old wood, making them more resilient in harsher winters. Proper fertilization in the spring is crucial for the production of buds on the current season’s growth.

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.

Should hydrangeas be cut all the way back?

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.

Are you supposed to deadhead endless summer hydrangeas?

The practice of deadheading not only facilitates the emergence of new flowers, which may exhibit striking ball blooms and vibrant autumn colors, but also encourages the plant’s overall health and growth.

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 hydrangeas 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®.

Do hydrangeas grow well in Alabama?

Alabama is known as ‘ground zero’ for oakleaf hydrangeas due to its abundance of cultivars found in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, and Etowah counties. Oakleafs thrive in the heat, making native smooth hydrangea a suitable choice. New cultivars from both native and Asian species have been developed, offering diverse color and size options and longer bloom times, making Alabama a perfect location for these plants.

Can you cut back a hydrangea too much?

Deadheading hydrangeas can be beneficial for new growth, but too much pruning can be detrimental. Cutting ‘Annabelle’ varieties all the way back to the ground can result in weak above-ground growth that is not strong enough to support blooms. Instead, cut back the plants to 15 to 18 inches in late winter to encourage new growth from the ground up.

Additionally, don’t add too much fertilizer to the soil, as too much can make blooms too active. To ensure the correct type and amount of fertilizer, test the pH levels of your soil using a test kit.

When restoring floppy hydrangeas, provide support when necessary. Place a stake behind the stem and secure it loosely with twine or stake the stems to the fencing to make it appear less intentional. Staking can help restore hydrangeas to their original glory and help them grow taller.

How do you prune hydrangeas in the summer?

To rejuvenate a hydrangea, it is recommended that up to one-third of the older stems be removed each summer. Additionally, pruning should be conducted before late July to allow for the development of buds. The plant typically attains its original size, thereby ensuring its continued health and growth.