Contrary to the commonly heard opinion that hydrangeas should not be cut under any circumstances, this is certainly possible. The only important thing is the right time so that the hydrangea enchants the garden with its lush white, blue, pink or red flowers during the summer months.
When should you cut hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas in cutting group 1 should be carefully cut back in spring, while hydrangeas in cutting group 2 can be cut back more heavily in spring and then cut again after flowering in autumn to promote new flower formation.
Note cutting category
Hydrangeas are divided into two groups according to the time of pruning and the type of pruning. Hydrangeas in cutting group 1 produce the flowers for the coming year in the previous year. These include:
- Farmer Hydrangea
- Plate hydrangea
- Climbing hydrangea
- Velvet hydrangea
- Oakleaf hydrangea
- Giant leaf hydrangea
The hydrangeas in cutting group 2, on the other hand, bloom on annual wood. This cut category only includes:
- Snowball hydrangea
- Pranicle hydrangea.
When should hydrangeas in cutting group 1 be cut?
So that these hydrangeas produce as many flowers as possible, they should only be cut back very cautiously and carefully. The best time for this care measure is spring, when frosts are no longer expected. Proceed as follows for spring pruning:
- First cut off the old inflorescences and the frozen shoot tips at the level of the first he althy bud.
- Cut out dead branches and, if not already done in autumn, weak shoots.
Further pruning measures are only necessary for these hydrangeas if they take up too much space. Then you can cut the hydrangea back more in the spring. However, the hydrangea will produce few or no flowers this year as most of the buds will fall victim to this pruning measure. You should avoid pruning these species in autumn.
Pruning hydrangeas in cutting group 2
These types of hydrangea are a little easier to care for because their budding behavior is similar to that of many garden perennials. Since these hydrangea species bloom on annual wood, they can easily cope with severe pruning in spring.
A second cut takes place after flowering in autumn. Then shorten all shoots except for one pair of eyes to promote the branched growth of the plant. The one-year-old wood is shortened by about a third. Also thin out the hydrangea so that enough light can penetrate inside. This also promotes the formation of new flowers.
Hydrangeas in cutting group 2 become bald and produce fewer and fewer flowers if they are not cut back. However, you don't necessarily have to cut these hydrangeas. If left uncut, the hydrangeas in cutting group 2 grow into mighty bushes that have hardly any foliage in the middle but countless flowers and leaves in the outer area. This can be very attractive.
Tip
Hydrangeas in cutting group 2 often bloom twice a year in mild regions if they are cut back immediately after flowering.
