When is it too late to cut back hydrangeas
- should you cut hydrangeas
- should you cut hydrangeas back
- should you cut hydrangeas down in the fall
- should you cut hydrangeas back in the winter
What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas...
When & How to Prune Your Hydrangea
Itching to prune your hydrangeas? Follow these 3 steps to ensure your success.
STEP 1: Identify which type of hydrangea you have.
Most hydrangeas sold in North America fall into one of five types: bigleaf, mountain, smooth, panicle and oakleaf. Some form their flower buds on old wood, meaning next summer's buds are already present on the branches in fall and winter.
Do hydrangeas need to be cut back for winter
Others form their flower buds on new wood, once they begin to grow in spring. This is why it's so important to identify which type of hydrangea you have before you prune: you could inadvertently cut off flower buds and remove all of the blooms for the season.
While that doesn't harm the plant, it's definitely disappointing. That's why you should see below for a detailed explanation of hydrangea traits to help you identify which type you have.
STEP 2: Decide when to prune your hydrangea.
Once you have completed step one, you will know which type of hydrangea you are growing.
Then, follow this guide to decide when to prune.