Hydrangeas are among the most popular garden plants in this country because they are not only easy to care for but also very decorative. Its lush, large flowers are still very beautiful even when withered and are often used in dried bouquets.

The beautiful flowers of the forest hydrangea are also ideal as cut flowers in the vase

Are all hydrangeas pruned equally?

There are big differences when pruning hydrangeas, because each variety has its own special requirements. Some varieties already sprout the buds for the following year in autumn. These species include, for example, the farmer's, giant leaf, climbing or plate hydrangea, in principle most species at all.

All of these hydrangeas should only be pruned back carefully to preserve the buds for the next bloom. Cut off only the withered flowers just above the bud bases. If necessary, thin out the bush a little more. Also cut off old dried shoots close to the ground.

If you would like to bring hydrangeas of this type into a new shape and, for once, prune them more vigorously, then that is of course also possible. The hydrangea is persistent enough to recover well from it. However, you must expect that this plant will produce fewer flowers next year.

Pruning the Viburnum or Wad Hydrangea

Other hydrangea species, such as the snowball or forest hydrangea and the panicle hydrangea, on the other hand, only form their new shoots and buds in spring. You can safely cut them back in autumn or early spring, just like other summer flowering plants. Shorten the shoots so that at least one pair of eyes remains on each shoot. Remove old or dry shoots completely.

Cut hydrangeas for the vase

Hydrangeas are also great for use as cut flowers, and not just when they are in bloom. The dry flowers in autumn are just as suitable for decorative dried bouquets as the branches of the rosehip. They are also a pretty eye candy in the wintry garden.

The most important tips for pruning hydrangeas:

  • Only carefully cut back varieties that sprout in autumn
  • Varieties that sprout in the spring may be pruned more vigorously
  • only use sharp and clean pruning shears (17.82€).
  • Cut off dry and diseased shoots close to the ground

tips

Only prune your forest hydrangea carefully in autumn, unless you want to give the plant a new look.

Category:

Vegetable garden