Which Varieties of Hydrangea Can I Prune Back Now?

 

When Should You Prune Your Hydrangeas?

 

As we get closer to the time of year when Hydrangeas begin losing their leaves for winter, we receive lots of questions about pruning. “Can I cut them back?” “If I do, will they still bloom next year?”

Those are great questions, and the answer depends on which type of Hydrangea you have. Some Hydrangeas bloom on stems produced the previous year, called old wood, while others develop their flowers on the current season’s growth, called new wood.

Knowing which type you have before you start cutting can make the difference between a Hydrangea covered in flowers next year and one with very few blooms!

 
 

Panicle Hydrangeas

 

 

Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) bloom on new wood. This means their flower buds develop on the new growth they produce during the upcoming growing season.

If pruning is needed, late winter or early spring before active new growth begins is generally a good time. There’s no need to heavily prune them every year simply to make them bloom. Prune according to the plant’s size, shape, age, and condition.

Examples include: Fire Light®, Limelight, Little Lime®, Quick Fire®, and Little Quick Fire®.

 
 

Bigleaf Hydrangeas

 

 

Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) require a little more care when pruning. Traditional Bigleaf Hydrangeas primarily bloom on old wood, meaning flower buds for the following season develop on stems produced the previous year.

If shaping is necessary, it’s safest to do so shortly after flowering rather than pruning in fall or winter after next year’s buds have formed.

Some newer reblooming Bigleaf Hydrangeas can flower on both old and new wood. Even with these varieties, preserving healthy old stems can give you an earlier and fuller first flush of flowers.

Examples include: Cityline®, Let’s Dance®, and Endless Summer® varieties. Always check the specific variety because pruning recommendations can differ.

 
 

Smooth Hydrangeas

 

 

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) bloom on new wood, so they can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth gets underway.

These Hydrangeas can tolerate more substantial pruning than old-wood bloomers, but they don’t have to be cut all the way to the ground every year. The amount you prune should depend on the plant’s size, structure, and condition.

Examples include: Incrediball®, Invincibelle® varieties, and Annabelle.

 
 

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

 

 

Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) primarily bloom on old wood. Because their flower buds develop on the previous season’s growth, avoid routine fall or winter pruning that could remove next year’s flowers.

If your Oakleaf Hydrangea needs shaping, prune shortly after it finishes flowering. Remove only what is necessary to maintain the plant’s natural form and size rather than automatically removing a set percentage of the shrub.

Examples include: Pee Wee, Alice, and Ruby Slippers.

 
 

Know Your Hydrangea Before You Prune!

 

These are general pruning guidelines, and the particular species and variety you have matters. Some newer Hydrangeas have different blooming habits than traditional varieties, so it’s always a good idea to identify your plant before pruning.

And remember—a Hydrangea doesn’t necessarily need to be pruned every year. If it’s healthy, fits its space, and has a nice natural shape, you may only need to remove dead, damaged, or unwanted growth.

When in doubt, find out what type of Hydrangea you have before you grab those pruners!