Hydrangea pruning depends on the type of hydrangea because different types bloom on either old wood (last year's growth) or new wood (current year's growth).
- For hydrangeas that bloom on old wood such as bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and mountain hydrangeas, the best time to prune is right after flowering ends in summer or late summer. Avoid pruning in fall, winter, or early spring because this can remove flower buds and reduce blooms next season. Leaving dead flower heads over winter can help protect new buds from frost.
- For hydrangeas that bloom on new wood such as panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. These types can be cut back harder to encourage strong new stems and larger blooms.
- Climbing hydrangeas should be pruned after flowering in late summer or early autumn.
- For remontant hydrangeas (rebloomers producing flowers on both old and new wood), pruning can be done either in early spring or after the first flush of flowers fades.
In summary, most hydrangeas are best pruned in late winter to early spring or immediately after flowering depending on the variety. Avoid heavy pruning in fall and winter to protect flower buds.
