Pruning is a crucial aspect of caring for hydrangeas. Knowing what type of hydrangea you have, along with how and when to prune these beloved flowering shrubs is one of the keys to success. Our gardening experts have put together a quick guide, teaching the best way to prune each of the 6 key types of hydrangeas we grow here at Petitti’s.
6 types
how to prune hydrangeas
The difference
old vs. new wood
Old wood refers to the woody stems that have been on the plant for at least one full growing season. Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood begin forming flower buds on these stems in late summer for the following year’s blooms. That’s why it’s important to protect them from winter damage.
New wood refers to the fresh growth produced each spring after the hydrangea emerges from winter dormancy. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood set their flower buds on this season’s growth, making them less susceptible to winter damage and less affected by pruning at the wrong time.
How to Prune
Mophead or Bigleaf Hydrangeas
Older varieties of Macrophylla Hydrangeas bloom only on old wood, while most newer varieties bloom on both old and new wood. Prune them lightly in spring as new green growth begins to appear. Prune down to the uppermost buds that are forming, where you see fresh green leaves beginning to emerge. Remove stems with noticeable winter damage, along with any silver-skinned, brittle, or unproductive branches down to the ground (this wood is telling you that it’s dead). Leave any woody stems, or sections of woody stems, that are sprouting fresh green buds or leaf growth (this wood is telling you that it’s alive & well).
Blooms on old & new wood.
Prune in early spring, as new growth begins to appear.
How to Prune
Panicle Hydrangeas
Panicle hydrangeas (trees and shrubs) bloom on new wood, producing flower buds on the current season’s growth each spring. Because of this, they can be pruned confidently in late winter or early spring without sacrificing blooms. By pruning at this time, you’ll be rewarded with fuller branching, stronger stems, more blooms, and an overall stronger hydrangea.
Shrubs | Cut back in late winter/early spring down to 6-12″ tall in a rounded, ball-like mound.
Trees | Cut back in late winter/early spring to about the size & shape of a basketball.
Blooms on new wood.
How to prune
mountain hydrangeas
Newer varieties bloom on both old and new wood, so prune them lightly in early spring as new green growth appears, removing only the stems that have sustained winter damage. Prune down to the uppermost buds that are forming, where you see fresh green leaves beginning to emerge from the stem. Remove any silver-skinned, brittle, or unproductive branches down to the ground (this wood is telling you that it’s dead). Leave any woody stems or sections of woody stems that are sprouting fresh green buds or leaf growth (this wood is telling you that it’s alive & well).
Blooms on old & new wood.
Prune in early spring, as new growth begins to appear.
How to prune
smooth hydrangeas
Cut back in late winter or early spring to 6-12” tall. Smooth Hydrangeas bloom on new wood, producing flower buds on the current season’s growth each spring. Because of this, they can be pruned confidently without sacrificing blooms. By pruning at this time, you’ll be rewarded with fuller, sturdier branching, more blooms, and an overall stronger hydrangea.
Blooms on new wood.
How to prune
Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so prune them lightly in the spring as new green growth appears, removing only the stems that have sustained winter damage. Prune down to the uppermost buds that are forming, where you see fresh green leaves beginning to emerge from the stem. Remove any silver-skinned, brittle, or unproductive branches down to the ground (this wood is telling you that it’s dead). Leave any woody stems or sections of woody stems that are sprouting fresh green buds or leaf growth (this wood is telling you that it’s alive and well).
Blooms on old wood.
Prune in: Early spring, as new growth begins to appear
How to prune
climbing hydrangeas
Climbing Hydrangea bloom on old wood, so you’ll want to prune them in the early spring as new green growth appears, removing winter damage, dead stems, and any wayward branches. Prune early spring to control size, if needed.
Blooms on old wood.
Prune in: Early spring, as new growth begins to appear.
Hydrangea Pruning
Tips & Tricks
If you need to reduce the size of your old wood-blooming hydrangea, only hard prune it in July, which is right before new buds begin to develop (they bring next year’s flowers!).
Weak, diseased, damaged, or dead stems can and should be removed at any time (i.e. those bare “sticks” you see poking out of your hydrangea!).
pruning hydrangeas
to help them bloom their best
Whether you’re a hydrangea enthusiast or new to gardening and trying hydrangeas for the first time, learning how to properly prune each type will help these beautiful flowering shrubs flourish in the landscape.
Complete Guide to Hydrangea Gardening