For many shrubs, including hydrangeas, correct pruning is crucial for flowering in the coming season. Because some hydrangeas bloom on old wood, others on young wood. So what about the oak leaf hydrangea?
When and how do I cut an oak-leaved hydrangea?
The oak-leaved hydrangea should be carefully pruned in winter or spring as it blooms on old wood. Cut the shoots close to the top pair of buds and remove old inflorescences. If necessary, the plant can be thinned out additionally.
How do you recognize the oak-leaved hydrangea?
You can recognize the oak leaf hydrangea or oak leaf hydrangea, as the name suggests, by the typical leaf shape. It is clearly reminiscent of an oak leaf with three to seven lobes. In early summer it shows its white flowers, which usually turn pink when they bloom.
This hydrangea is originally native to the southeast of the USA and prefers calcareous soil, which should be neither too dry nor too moist. When it comes to sun or shade, the oak-leaved hydrangea, on the other hand, is very frugal and is happy with what you can offer it.
When do you cut the oak leaf hydrangea?
The oak-leaved hydrangea, like all other varieties that bloom on old wood, can be pruned in winter or spring. However, you should proceed very carefully. The buds for the next season form last year, so leave them as undamaged as possible. You can shorten the shoots and cut off the old inflorescences just above the top pair of buds.
In a cold area, your oak-leaved hydrangea may need winter protection because it doesn't have long periods of frost in its homeland. Cover the plant with a layer of leaves or brushwood. It is also advisable to do the pruning only in spring. Then you can repair any frost damage at the same time. If necessary, thin out the plant a little more.
The most important things in brief:
- blooms on old wood
- sets buds the previous year/autumn
- cut back carefully in winter or spring
- Cut close to the top pair of buds
- remove old inflorescences
- If necessary thin out the plant a bit
Tip
The oak-leaved hydrangea blooms on old wood. If you cut the plant back too far, you will have to forego at least some of the expected flowers in the coming season.
