Velvet hydrangeas are a wild form of garden hydrangeas, although there are now numerous cultivated forms of this species. The shrub can grow up to two and a half meters high and three meters wide, and in exceptional cases even larger. However, velvet hydrangeas should not be pruned regularly.
How do I cut a velvet hydrangea correctly?
Velvet hydrangeas should not be cut regularly, but should be rejuvenated every three years if necessary. Pruning time is after flowering in autumn or early spring. Cut half of the oldest shoots to the ground and remove dead or diseased shoots immediately.
Velvet hydrangea blooms on last year's wood
Like so many types of hydrangeas - such as the popular farmer's hydrangea - the velvet hydrangea also blooms on perennial wood. The flower buds for the following year develop at the end of the previous year's flowering period and are also located close to the faded flower plates. For this reason, the dead flowers should not be removed in autumn, but only in spring after the last late frosts - they serve as effective winter protection for the new buds. Annual pruning is not necessary, on the contrary: such a measure would reduce the plants' ability to bloom.
Perform a rejuvenation cut every three years
Nevertheless, you should rejuvenate your velvet hydrangea about every three years to prevent it from aging. This threatens, for example, when the flowering slows down. You can also prune without worry if the velvet hydrangea doesn't grow as desired. In this case, the flower fails or is reduced, but since the velvet hydrangea is very tolerant of pruning and sprouts easily from sleeping buds, even a more radical pruning has no further consequences.
If you rarely need to prune, you can proceed as follows:
- The best time to prune is after the flowering period in early autumn.
- Cutting in early spring is also possible.
- However, avoid cutting during periods of frost.
- Cut half of the shoots - if possible the oldest ones - down to the ground.
- Lighten out shoots that are too close together or grow incorrectly.
- In this way you ensure that there is enough light and air inside the plant.
Dead or diseased shoots, on the other hand, should be removed as soon as possible throughout the year. They weaken the plant and represent an entry point for viruses, fungi and other pathogens.
Tips & Tricks
Cut young velvet hydrangeas in spring just above the pairs of eyes (and be careful not to cut away any flower buds!). By taking this measure, you will promote strong branching and therefore more flowers in the future.
