How to Prune Hydrangeas for Winter – A Complete Guide
Hydrangeas are a popular flowering shrub that produce gorgeous blooms during the summer months. However, proper pruning is essential to keep hydrangeas healthy and encourage abundant flowers each year. The key is knowing when and how to prune hydrangeas before winter dormancy depending on the type you have.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:
- Why it’s important to prune hydrangeas for winter
- The optimal time to prune – fall vs spring
- The two main types of hydrangeas and their pruning needs
- A step-by-step tutorial for pruning hydrangeas
- Extra winter care and protection tips
Reasons to Prune Hydrangeas Before Winter
Here are the main benefits of pruning hydrangeas as winter approaches:
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Removing dead damaged or diseased stems improves overall health.
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Cutting back older wood rejuvenates the plant and shapes growth.
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Getting rid of faded flowers encourages new blooms next year
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Eliminating soft new growth allows buds to harden off for dormancy.
Proper timing is key – hydrangeas should be pruned in fall or spring depending on variety.
When to Prune Hydrangeas – Fall vs Spring
You can prune hydrangeas either in late fall or early spring:
Late Fall Pruning
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Done after plants go dormant, usually November or December.
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Recommended for mophead, lacecap and oakleaf hydrangeas.
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Allows time for wounds to heal before winter.
Early Spring Pruning
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Done before new growth emerges in March or April.
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Best for panicle and smooth hydrangeas.
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Avoid pruning once leaf buds start swelling.
The timing depends on whether the hydrangea blooms on old or new wood.
Pruning Old Bloomers vs New Bloomers
Hydrangeas are grouped by when their buds are set:
Old Bloomers
- Mophead
- Lacecap
- Oakleaf
These bloom on old wood – the previous season’s growth. Prune in fall after flowering or early spring before new growth emerges.
New Bloomers
- Panicle
- Smooth
These bloom on new wood – the current season’s growth. Prune in late winter before they leaf out.
How to Prune Old Bloomer Hydrangeas
Follow these steps to prune mophead, lacecap and oakleaf hydrangeas:
- Prune in Fall or Early Spring
Pruning at the wrong time removes future flower buds. Stick to fall or early spring.
- Remove Dead, Damaged and Diseased Stems
Cut these all the way to the ground to improve health. Also remove weak and crossing branches.
- Thin Out Old Stems
Cut back 1/3 of the oldest stems at ground level to rejuvenate plants.
- Trim Overlong Branches
Selectively cut back branches as needed to maintain size and shape. Aim for evenly distributed branching.
- Leave Most New Growth
Avoid cutting back all new growth – leave some stems for next year’s blooms.
- Make Angled Cuts Above Buds
Always cut above an outward facing bud so new branches can emerge.
How to Prune New Bloomer Hydrangeas
Here’s how to properly prune panicle and smooth hydrangeas:
- Prune in Early Spring Before Growth
Prune these in late winter before they break dormancy.
- Cut All Stems to the Ground
New bloomers respond well to more aggressive pruning.
- Remove Any Dead Wood
Also cut out dead or damaged stems to improve health.
- Shape and Thin as Needed
Do corrective pruning once new growth appears.
- Make Angled Cuts Above Buds
Remove awkward stubby stems and always cut above buds.
- Leave Flowering Stems Longer
For airy blooms, prune side shoots selectively and keep flowering stems longer.
Winter Care and Protection Tips
After fall pruning, keep these winter care tips in mind:
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Insulate flower buds from cold and wind with burlap or foam wraps.
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Add mulch around the base to protect roots from temperature swings.
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Water well in fall and during winter warm spells to prevent desiccation.
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Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer which can cause cold weather damage.
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Move potted hydrangeas to an unheated area like a porch or garage.
With proper pruning and care before winter dormancy, your hydrangeas will be healthy and primed for gorgeous blooms next summer. Be sure to prune at the right time for each variety.
Watch a video on pruning bigleaf hydrangeas
If you do decide you need to prune your bigleaf hydrangea, this video will give you the information you need to time your cuts correctly and identify where to make them on the shrub. The only tools you will need are hand pruners and perhaps a pair of loppers to reach down into the hydrangea. Also, be sure to wear some safety glasses. You might not think they are cool, but it is very easy to poke your eye on a stem as you are trying to see down into the shrub. And a poke in the eye is never cool.
So stay safe, time it right, and enjoy your shrub.
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.
HOW TO PRUNE HYDRANGEAS | Prune hydrangeas for winter and get the most out of your blooms
FAQ
Should hydrangeas be cut back for winter?
Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood can be safely pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring.
What happens if you don’t cut back hydrangeas?
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Unruly Growth:Neglecting to prune hydrangeas can lead to a plant that becomes a tangled mess of woody stems and dead flowers, making it less visually appealing.
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Reduced Flower Show:New flower growth typically happens on younger stems, so if you don’t prune, the plant can develop a leggy appearance with fewer flowers.
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Importance of Pruning:Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant, encourages new growth, and promotes a better display of blooms, ensuring you have lots of large, healthy flowers.
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Pruning Timing:The best time to prune hydrangeas depends on the type, with some blooming on old wood (like mophead hydrangeas) needing minimal pruning after flowering, while others blooming on new wood (like panicle hydrangeas) require pruning in late winter or early spring.
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Deadheading:Removing spent flowers (deadheading) can encourage better blooming later in the season, but it’s important to know which hydrangeas benefit from this practice.
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When in doubt, don’t prune:If you are unsure about pruning, a good rule of thumb is to leave the plant alone and only remove dead wood and spent flowers in early spring.
What is the mistake for pruning hydrangeas?
Pruning at the Wrong Time
Hydrangeas should never be pruned in the fall. “Hydrangeas set flower buds for the following season in the fall, so if you cut it back, you are cutting off all of the blooms,” says McEnaney.
Should hydrangeas be pruned before winter?
Not all perennial plants should be pruned to such an extent before winter. It all depends on your local climate and the species of plant, so you should check the specifics before you cut. Some perennials, like hydrangeas, can benefit from keeping their seed heads over winter, as these provide some protection from frost.
When should you prune panicle hydrangeas?
Timing: Prune Panicle Hydrangeas during late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows for the removal of dead or damaged branches without interfering with blooming later in the season. Deadheading: Remove spent flower heads after they have finished blooming.
Should hydrangeas be cut off before pruning?
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.