A Complete Guide: How To Trim A Hydrangea Bush In The Spring 2021

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Hydrangeas are beautiful and elegant ornamental plants that add more color and beauty to your garden. One of the essential steps in keeping them healthy and looking their best is pruning. Trimming hydrangeas may seem overwhelming, but it's not as complicated as one might think. This guide will provide you with all the information you need for trimming hydrangea bushes in the spring.

Hydrangea bushes are very popular ornamental plants loved for their big bunches of flowers that can be seen in various shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Before you start pruning, you should learn about the different kinds of hydrangeas and why pruning is crucial. Pruning has several benefits:

• Stimulates new growth
• Gets rid of dead, damaged branches and blooms
• Boosts flower production
• Gives the plant a good shape

Step by Step Guide of Trimming a Hydrangea bush

Follow these easy steps to trim your hydrangea bush during spring:

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

It's better to trim your hydrangeas in spring after the last frost but before the flowers have bloomed or formed buds. This time is known as the "dormant period," and it's ideal because most of the plant's energy is being utilized beneath the soil. However, different varieties of hydrangeas may require different pruning times. Also, avoid cutting the stems too short; they produce flowers on old wood.

Step 2: Prune Damaged Branches First

Before starting to prune, inspect the plant carefully and cut off any broken, diseased, or dead branches using sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases or pests. Make sure to disinfect the tools between cuts.

Step 3: Cut The Dead Flowers Correctly

With a sharp pair of shears, cut off dead blooms behind the bud at the top of the stem. Do not leave long stumps on the stems; they will turn brown and unsightly.

Step 4: Determine the Plant Variety Before Trimming

The various types of hydrangeas require different pruning techniques. For instance:

• Bigleaf and Lacecap hydrangeas should only have their dead flowers removed.
• Panicle hydrangeas can be pruned freely to encourage new growth without affecting next year's blooms.
• Oakleaf hydrangeas need little to no pruning, except to remove dead wood.

Step 5: Upper Side Pruning for an Attractive Shape

Trimming the upper part of the branches encourages fuller growth in the lower section of the plant. You can use pruning loppers to slim down any overgrown wood and shape it properly.

Step 6: Final Pruning And Sculpting

Finally, do finishing touches by trimming lightly around the edges of the plant to make it look neater and more attractive.

In trimming your hydrangea bush isn't challenging as it seems. Learning how and when to trim them is a crucial step towards ensuring that your plant remains healthy, blooming, and elegant every year. If performed correctly and regularly, pruning will ensure that your hydrangeas flourish beautifully in your garden.

FAQ

Q1) How often should I prune my hydrangea bushes?

Answer: You should trim your hydrangea bush once a year. The optimum period is usually in late winter to early spring.

Q2) Can I trim my hydrangea bushes in the fall?

Answer: It's not recommended to prune your hydrangea bushes in the fall because it might remove the buds that should grow into flowers in the next season.

Q3) Does pruning help Hydrangeas Bloom Better next season?

Answer: Yes, pruning stimulates plant growth and encourages more flowers to bloom.

Q4) Should I cut off old hydrangea blooms?

Answer: Old hydrangea blooms should be removed so they get replaced with new ones. Removing dead flowers also gives the plant a neat look.

Q5) What tools are required for pruning hydrangeas?

Answer: You will need pruning shears or loppers, gloves, and disinfectant solution for sterilizing your tools.

Q6) What happens if you don’t prune hydrangeas?

Answer: If you neglect pruning hydrangeas for many years, they will become overgrown, with fewer blooms and unsightly shape.

Q7) Can I prune hydrangea branches from other shrubs?

Answer: It's best to avoid cutting branches within the shrubs habituated area as it may alter the plant's growth structure and make it unbalanced.

Q8) How do I cut back an overgrown hydrangea Bush?

Answer: Use a pair of sharp hedge clippers or pruning saw and trim the branches uniformly making sure to maintain the desired shape.

Q9) Will hydrangeas grow back Every Season?

Answer: Yes, if you take proper care of your hydrangea plants, they will grow back and bloom every season.

Q10) How and when to transplant a hydrangea bush?

Answer: The best time to transplant a hydrangea bush is either early spring or early fall when the plant is dormant. Before transplanting, prune your plant and choose a suitable location for it to thrive.