How to Prune Hydrangeas

HOW TO PRUNE HYDRANGEAS
Hydrangeas do not require a lot of pruning effort but the type of pruning differs depending on which Hydrangea you have.
 

Hydrangea macrophylla - Mopheads Don't remove the dead flowers on mophead Hydrangeas until the following mid-Spring. During the late winter and early Spring, the dead flowers will protect tender young buds from hard frosts. When you do remove the flowers, cut back the stem below the flower to just above a healthy looking set of buds.

Whilst pruning back the dead flowers keep a look out for frost damaged branches or shoots. Cut damaged wood back to the fist healthy looking set of buds. Prune out any weak looking stems at the same time.

Hydrangea macrophylla - Lacecaps
In general, lacecaps are hardier than mopheads and there is almost no need to prune other than cutting back damaged stems or branches to a healthy looking set of buds. Lacecaps will put a lot of effort into developing seeds though when the flowers die so it's best to remove flowers as soon as they are dead.

Hydrangea paniculata
It's fine to not prune this type of Hydrangea. If the plant has become too large simply prune to shape in late winter, they tolerate hard pruning. This will encourage larger panicles of flowers.

Hydrangea anomala subsp.petiolaris
This variety also requires no pruning. If the plant is becoming too large, prune shoots to a healthy set of buds as soon as flowering has ceased.

Hydrangea quercifolia
These hydrangeas flower on old wood and therefore only require the removal of dead or damaged branches and stems in mid-Spring when leaf growth has begun.

CARE OF HYDRANGEAS