When Should I Prune My Ontario Limelight Hydrangeas?

Limelight hydrangeas are woody plants that bloom in the spring and produce large, colorful flowers. They are a beautiful addition to any yard or landscape, and pruning them is essential for their health and growth. The best time to prune hydrangeas in Ontario is typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as this timing allows for the removal of dead or damaged wood.

Some hydrangea cultivars flower on new wood, meaning buds form on branches produced in the current growing year. Pruning these cultivars should be done in late fall, once leaves are down. Key tasks include snipping dead branches and keeping shape in check. The amount of pruning should be about one-third to a maximum of one-half of their growth, leaving a strong frame of older wood that can support the new growth.

Pruning limelight hydrangeas in late winter or early spring helps promote a stronger, healthier plant and encourages more vibrant blooms. It is better to prune in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant to see which branches need to be removed. Pruning in summer may cut off new growth, but it is okay to remove dead or damaged wood at any time of year.

Limelights should be pruned in late winter or early spring before they have any new growth, and pruning can be done in late fall, winter, or early spring. To reduce the size of the plant and protect next year’s blooms, prune Limelight back late this fall or early next spring. Pruning is generally not needed, but it may be lightly trimmed after the first flowering.