Hydrangeas are an incredibly popular landscape plant and many gardeners have questions about caring for hydrangeas. It is important to know what species of hydrangea you have in your garden in order to prune correctly. The NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox is a great resource for learning about different species of hydrangeas (and other plants). Here are additional resources to help you with hydrangea pruning.
A Guide to Pruning Hydrangeas
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Pruning Hydrangeas: A Simple Guide for When to do it! |
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| Old Growth vs. New Growth: The winter dormant period is the reference point
Old growth is the stems and branches that grew prior to the plant going dormant. New growth is the stems and branches that grow after the latest winter dormant period. |
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| Hydrangea Species | When do I prune it? | On what growth do the blooms appear? |
| Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris Climbing Hydrangea | After Flowering (Summer) | On old growth |
| Hydrangea arborescens Smooth Hydrangea | Late winter/Early Spring (Before new growth) | On new growth |
| Hydrangea macrophylla Bigleaf Hydrangea Mophead Hydrangea | After Flowering (Summer) | On old growth |
| Hydrangea paniculata Panicle Hydrangea | Late winter/Early Spring (Before new growth) | On new growth |
| Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea | After Flowering (Summer) | On old growth |
| Hydrangea x Remontant cultivars | Prune either in late winter/early spring or after the first flush of flowers has faded | Blooms on both old growth and new growth |
Other Helpful Resources about Hydrangeas
- Pruning Hydrangeas video featuring Mark Weathington at JC Raulston Arboretum
- Plants, Pests, and Pathogens Webinar - Focus on Hydrangeas
General information on shrubs and landscape plants:
- Planting Shrubs Correctly (Clemson Extension)
- NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- University of Georgia Ornamentals
- Clemson Home & Garden Information Center
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
Want to see hydrangeas? We suggest you check out:
Information on this page was compiled by Brad Goodrum, NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteer of Forsyth County.
