Welcome to Cincinnati Gardening Made Simple! This week, we answer a popular question among local gardeners: “How to Prune Your Hydrangeas?” With our easy-to-follow tips, you’ll have a beautiful, thriving garden in no time.

Do Hydrangeas Need Pruning?

The good news is that most hydrangeas require minimal pruning. Typically, they only need deadheading (removing spent flowers) and clearing of any dead wood as needed. However, knowing how to prune depends on your hydrangea variety. Here’s our guide to help you get the most out of your hydrangeas.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden

When choosing a hydrangea, select a variety that suits the size and light requirements of your space. Proper pruning and care vary across hydrangea types, so follow these tailored tips for each variety.

Hydrangea Types and Pruning Tips

1. Hydrangea Arborescens

Examples: Annabelle, Bella Anna, Incrediball, Sterile

• Blooming Period: June to August on new wood.
• Pruning Tips: In early spring, prune back to 12 inches if revitalization is needed. Deadhead spent blooms just below the flower head as needed.
• Preferred Light: Partial sun to partial shade.

2. Hydrangea Paniculata

Examples: Grandiflora, Vanilla Strawberry, Tardiva, Quick Fire

• Blooming Period: Mid-summer through September.
• Pruning Tips: Prune from late fall to early spring, cutting close to the ground if desired. Remove spent blooms by trimming below the flower.
• Preferred Light: Full sun to partial shade.

3. Hydrangea Macrophylla & Serrata

Examples: Nikko Blue, BloomStruck, Endless Summer

• Blooming Period: Early to mid-summer on old wood; newer varieties bloom on both old and new wood.
• Pruning Tips: Deadhead spent blooms as needed. Complete stem pruning by early July to allow buds to set for the following season.
• Winter Protection: Protect with a cage of chicken wire filled with leaves and straw in late fall. Remove in March and apply mulch.

4. New Macrophylla Selections

Examples: All Summer Beauty, Endless Summer, Big Daddy

• Blooming Period: Reliable summer blooms, even with dieback.
• Pruning Tips: Deadhead as needed throughout the season. Complete stem pruning by early July for optimal flowering.
• Preferred Light: Partial sun to partial shade.

5. Hydrangea Quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)

Examples: Snow Queen, Pee Wee, Alice

• Blooming Period: Late May through July on old wood, with long-lasting blooms.
• Pruning Tips: Deadhead spent blooms and prune for structure as needed. For severe pruning, cut back in spring.

6. Hydrangea Anomala / Petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)

Examples: Climbing Hydrangea

• Blooming Period: Late June to early July on old wood.
• Pruning Tips: Prune after flowering for shape. In early spring, remove any dead wood or damaged branches.
• Preferred Light: Partial sun or shade.

Essential Basics to Prune Hydrangeas

Pruning hydrangeas may require some trial and error. When in doubt, follow these basics:

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers as needed.
• Spring Cleanup: Prune dead wood in spring for healthy growth.

Need Gardening Help? Ask our Hydrangea Experts!

If you have more questions about hydrangea care or pruning, our expert team is here to help! For further inspiration, check out our Plant Library.