Contrary to the frequently heard opinion that hydrangeas should not be cut under any circumstances, this is quite possible. The only important thing is the right time, so that the hydrangea enchants the garden during the summer months with its lush white, blue, pink or red flowers.
Hydrangeas are divided into two pruning groups
Note cut category
Hydrangeas are divided into two pruning groups according to the time of pruning and the type of pruning. Hydrangeas in pruning group 1 form the flowers for the coming year in the previous year. These include:
- peasant hydrangea
- plate hydrangea
- climbing hydrangea
- velvet hydrangea
- oak leaf hydrangea
- Giant Leaf Hydrangea
The hydrangeas in pruning group 2, on the other hand, bloom on one-year-old wood. Only the following belong to this cut category:
- snowball hydrangea
- panicle hydrangea.
When are pruning group 1 hydrangeas pruned?
In order for these hydrangeas to form as many flowers as possible, they should only be pruned very cautiously and carefully. The best time for this care measure is spring, when no more frosts are to be expected. Proceed as follows when pruning in spring:
- First cut off the old inflorescences and the frozen shoot tips at the height of the first healthy bud.
- Cut out dead twigs and, if they haven't already done so in autumn, weak shoots.
Further pruning measures are only necessary for these hydrangeas if they take up too much space. Then you can cut back the hydrangea even more in the spring. However, the Hydrangea will have little or no flowering this year as most of the buds fall victim to this pruning measure. You should refrain from pruning these species in autumn.
Prune group 2 hydrangeas
These Hydrangea species are a little easier to care for, as their budding behavior is similar to that of many garden perennials. Since these hydrangea species bloom on one-year-old wood, they can easily cope with a heavier pruning in spring.
A second cut is made after flowering in autumn. Then shorten all the shoots except for a pair of eyes to promote the branching growth of the plant. The one-year-old wood is shortened by about a third. Also light out the hydrangea so that enough light can penetrate inside. This also promotes the formation of new flowers.
Pruning group 2 hydrangeas wilt and sprout fewer and fewer flowers if they are not cut back. However, you do not necessarily have to cut these hydrangeas. Uncut, the hydrangeas in pruning group 2 grow into mighty shrubs that have hardly any leaves in the middle but countless flowers and leaves in the outer area. This can be very attractive.
tips
Pruning Group 2 hydrangeas often flower twice a year in mild regions if pruned back immediately after flowering.