Easy garden task to do now to make sure you have stunning hydrangea blooms (original) (raw)

Without regular pruning, hydrangeas can become tall and spindly, with fewer blooms and less foliage density, pruning encourages a bushier, fuller growth habit, resulting in a healthier plant with an abundance of flowers

Pruning hydrangeas not only encourages new growth but also promotes healthier, more compact plants

Hydrangeas are known for their stunning, showy blooms, and while they don’t require much maintenance, there’s one essential task that can help ensure a beautiful display next year.

Pruning hydrangeas not only encourages new growth but also promotes healthier, more compact plants. According to gardening retailer Primrose, pruning hydrangeas stimulates fresh stem growth, which is crucial for producing vibrant flowers each year. Without regular pruning, hydrangeas can become tall and spindly, with fewer blooms and less foliage density. Pruning encourages a bushier, fuller growth habit, resulting in a healthier plant with an abundance of flowers.

The best time to prune hydrangeas is when their blooms have turned brown and crispy, and the leaves begin to wilt. The experts at Primrose advise: "When small buds start to form on the stems, it’s time to give your plants a prune." Leaving faded flowers on your mophead or lacecap hydrangeas until late winter or early spring helps protect the plants from frost.

The best time to prune hydrangeas is when their blooms have turned brown and crispy, and the leaves begin to wilt (

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For climbing hydrangeas, the pruning approach is slightly different. These plants only require occasional light tidying to remove any dead flowers. It’s also a good idea to trim overly long shoots immediately after flowering, but the top of the plant should be left as undisturbed as possible, as this is where the majority of the blooms will emerge.

Trimming hydrangeas is a simple task that requires just one essential tool: a pair of clean, sharp secateurs. According to gardening experts, making clean cuts is vital for reducing damage to the plant and ensuring it heals properly. A sharp pair of secateurs will help the plant resist disease more effectively and promote better overall growth.

While established hydrangeas are generally resilient to pruning, it’s important not to overdo it. Cutting back too much at once can lead to fewer blooms the following summer. Instead, experts recommend giving your hydrangeas a severe cutback every three years to rejuvenate the plant fully. In between, a light annual trim should suffice to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth.

Tips for Pruning Hydrangeas

Achieving a beautiful hydrangea display year after year is straightforward if you follow three simple steps:

• Start by using your clean, sharp secateurs to snip away any dead seed heads and faded flowers just above where the fresh green buds appear. This will stimulate new growth and prepare the plant for the next season.
• Next, cut away a third of the oldest stems and any damaged or weak growth, pruning them to the ground. This redirects energy into new shoots, encouraging plenty of fresh growth and more flowers.
• Finally, be sure to eliminate any overcrowded stems at the centre of the bush. Overcrowding can damage new shoots and leave the plant vulnerable to mildew and other diseases.

By following these simple steps, your hydrangeas will be well-prepared for a stunning display of blooms next year, rewarding your effort with vibrant, healthy plants.