Are you supposed to cut back hydrangeas?

Yes, it is generally recommended to prune hydrangeas to promote healthy growth and to shape the plant. The specific pruning techniques you should use depend on the type of hydrangea you have.

cut back hydrangea

There are three main types of hydrangeas:

Mophead or bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) – These are the most common type of hydrangea, and they are characterized by their large, round flowerheads. Mophead hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so it is important not to prune them in late winter or early spring, as this can remove the flower buds. Instead, prune these plants in the summer or early fall, after they have finished blooming. You can remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as any stems that are growing in the wrong direction.

Lacecap hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) – These hydrangeas have a similar appearance to mophead hydrangeas, but the flowerheads are flatter and have a more delicate appearance. Lacecap hydrangeas also bloom on old wood, so you should prune them in the summer or early fall, after they have finished blooming. You can remove any dead or damaged stems and shape the plant as needed.

Paniculate hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) – These hydrangeas have conical flowerheads and are known for their ability to tolerate cold temperatures. Paniculate hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so it is safe to prune them in the late winter or early spring. You can remove any dead or damaged stems and shape the plant as needed.

Overall, it is best to prune hydrangeas gently and selectively, rather than cutting them back drastically. This will help to maintain the natural shape of the plant and encourage healthy new growth. If you are unsure how to prune your hydrangeas, it is a good idea to consult a gardening guide or seek the advice of a local nursery or horticulturist.

How to cut back hydrangeas?

To cut back hydrangeas, follow these steps:

First, determine the type of hydrangea you have. As I mentioned earlier, there are three main types of hydrangeas: mophead or bigleaf hydrangeas, lacecap hydrangeas, and paniculate hydrangeas. Each type of hydrangea should be pruned differently, based on when it blooms and the growth habit of the plant.
Choose the right time to prune. For mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, which bloom on old wood, the best time to prune is in the summer or early fall, after they have finished blooming. For paniculate hydrangeas, which bloom on new wood, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. These stems will be dry and may appear lifeless. You can also remove any stems that are growing in the wrong direction or that are too long or leggy.
If you want to shape the plant or control its size, you can prune back the remaining stems to the desired length. Make sure to cut just above a bud or leaf node, as this will encourage new growth to sprout from the cut.
To maintain the natural shape of the plant, try to prune evenly, rather than cutting back all the stems to the same length. This will help to preserve the balance of the plant and prevent it from looking overly pruned or lopsided.
After pruning, clean up any debris from the ground around the plant and dispose of it properly. This will help to prevent the spread of any diseases or pests that may be present in the debris.

Remember, it is best to prune hydrangeas gently and selectively, rather than cutting them back drastically. This will help to maintain the natural shape of the plant and encourage healthy new growth. If you are unsure how to prune your hydrangeas, it is a good idea to consult a gardening guide or seek the advice of a local nursery or horticulturist.

Will hydrangeas recover after cutting?

Yes, in most cases, hydrangeas will recover after being cut back. However, the extent of the recovery and the amount of time it takes will depend on how severely the plants were pruned, as well as the type of hydrangea and the growing conditions.

If you prune your hydrangeas gently and selectively, they should recover relatively quickly. Pruning helps to stimulate new growth and can actually promote the overall health of the plant. However, if you prune your hydrangeas too severely, it may take them longer to recover and they may not bloom as heavily in the following year.

It is important to note that mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, which bloom on old wood, should not be pruned in late winter or early spring, as this can remove the flower buds. If you need to prune these types of hydrangeas, it is best to do so in the summer or early fall, after they have finished blooming. Paniculate hydrangeas, which bloom on new wood, can be safely pruned in late winter or early spring.

Will hydrangeas bloom after being cut?

It is possible for hydrangeas to bloom again after being cut back, depending on the type of hydrangea and the timing of the pruning.

There are three main types of hydrangeas: mophead or bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), lacecap hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), and paniculate hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata). Each type of hydrangea blooms in a different way and should be pruned at a specific time to encourage blooming.

Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, which have round or flat flowerheads, bloom on old wood. This means that they produce flower buds on stems that grew the previous year. If you prune these types of hydrangeas in late winter or early spring, you may remove the flower buds and prevent the plants from blooming. Therefore, it is best to prune mophead and lacecap hydrangeas in the summer or early fall, after they have finished blooming.

Paniculate hydrangeas, which have conical flowerheads, bloom on new wood. This means that they produce flower buds on stems that grew the current year. If you prune these types of hydrangeas in late winter or early spring, you should not remove the flower buds and the plants should bloom normally.