Hydrangeas are one of the most popular garden plants in this country because they are not only easy to care for but also very decorative. Their lush, large flowers are still very beautiful even when withered and are often used in dry bouquets.
How do you cut a forest hydrangea correctly?
To prune a wild hydrangea, just prune it back carefully in the fall to preserve the flower buds for next year. Remove dry, old shoots close to the ground and cut off spent flowers above the bud base.
Are all hydrangeas pruned the same?
There are big differences when cutting hydrangeas because each variety has its own specific requirements. Some varieties sprout buds for the next year as early as autumn. These species include, for example, farmer's, giant leaf, climbing or plate hydrangeas, in principle most species at all.
All these hydrangeas should only be carefully cut back so that the buds are preserved for the next flowering. Only cut off the wilted flowers close to the bud base. If necessary, thin out the bush a little more. Also cut off old, dried shoots close to the ground.
If you would like to give hydrangeas of this type a new shape and prune them more vigorously as an exception, then that is of course also possible. The hydrangea is persistent enough to recover well from this. However, you must expect that this plant will produce fewer flowers next year.
Cutting the viburnum or wad hydrangeas
Other types of hydrangeas, such as the snowball or forest hydrangea and the panicle hydrangea, only form their new shoots and buds in spring. You can safely cut these back in autumn or early spring, like other summer bloomers. Shorten the shoots so that at least one pair of eyes remains on each shoot. Remove old or dry shoots completely.
Cut hydrangeas for the vase
Hytensias can also be used excellently as cut flowers, and not just during the flowering period. The dry flowers in autumn, like the rosehip branches, are suitable for decorative dry bouquets. They are also a beautiful feast for the eyes in the winter garden.
The most important tips for cutting hydrangeas:
- prune varieties that sprout in autumn only carefully
- Varieties that sprout in spring may be pruned more vigorously
- only use sharp and clean secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon)
- cut off dry and diseased shoots close to the ground
Tip
Cut your forest hydrangea back carefully in the fall unless you want to give the plant a new look.
