Hydrangeas are the showstoppers of summer gardens—those big, blousy blooms in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple are hard to resist. But if yours aren’t blooming like they used to, or worse, not blooming at all, there’s a good chance pruning is the problem.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most people are pruning hydrangeas at the wrong time or cutting back too much. The good news? Fixing it is easy once you know what kind of hydrangea you’re working with and how it grows.
Let’s dive into the simple steps to get your hydrangeas back to blooming big and beautiful.
First, Know Your Type: Not All Hydrangeas Are the Same
Before you reach for the clippers, take a second to identify what kind of hydrangea you have. This is crucial because different types bloom on different kinds of wood—some on old wood, some on new, and some on both. Prune the wrong way, and you’re literally cutting off next season’s flowers.
Here are the main types and what you need to know:
1. Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Includes: Mophead and Lacecap
Blooms on old wood (last year’s stems)
Wrong move: Pruning in fall, winter, or early spring
Right move: Only prune after they finish blooming in summer. Just deadhead or lightly shape the shrub.
2. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Blooms on old wood
Wrong move: Cutting them back in early spring
Right move: Prune right after flowering. Remove only dead or damaged stems and lightly shape if needed.
3. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
Blooms on new wood (this year’s growth)
Wrong move: Leaving it unpruned or trimming too early
Right move: Cut back in late winter or very early spring before new growth appears. You can prune hard—these are tough!
4. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)
Blooms on new wood
Wrong move: Skipping pruning altogether
Right move: Prune back to about 12-18 inches in late winter or early spring. This encourages fuller plants and bigger blooms.
5. Reblooming Hydrangeas (e.g., Endless Summer varieties)
Blooms on both old and new wood
Wrong move: Over-pruning
Right move: Only prune spent flowers and damaged stems. These guys don’t need much trimming to thrive.
Signs You’re Pruning Hydrangeas Wrong
Not sure if you’ve been doing it right? Here are some red flags:
-
No blooms even though the plant looks healthy
-
Weak, leggy growth with fewer leaves
-
Dead-looking tips that were once flower buds
-
Shrubs that seem smaller or less full year after year
If you’ve experienced any of these, chances are your pruning timing or technique is off.
The Right Way to Prune—Step-by-Step
Let’s keep it simple. Follow these general pruning steps based on your hydrangea’s bloom type:
✅ Step 1: Wait for the Right Season
-
Old wood bloomers: Prune in summer after flowering
-
New wood bloomers: Prune in late winter or early spring
✅ Step 2: Sanitize Your Tools
Always clean your pruners with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading disease.
✅ Step 3: Start with the 3 D’s
Remove anything Dead, Damaged, or Diseased. This improves air flow and plant health.
✅ Step 4: Shape the Plant (Gently!)
Avoid going wild with the shears. Shape only as needed and cut just above a leaf node to encourage new growth.
✅ Step 5: Mulch and Feed
After pruning, treat your hydrangea to a layer of mulch and a balanced fertilizer. It’s like a spa day after a haircut.
Bonus: How to Tell If a Stem Has Flower Buds
If you’re unsure whether a stem will bloom, scratch the surface gently with your fingernail. Green beneath the bark means it’s alive. If it’s brown and brittle, it’s safe to cut.
Still Not Blooming? Try This:
If your hydrangea’s leaves look lush but you’re not getting flowers, it could also be:
-
Too much nitrogen: This boosts leaves but not blooms
-
Too much shade: Most need morning sun and afternoon shade
-
Frost damage: Late frosts can zap buds, especially on old wood types
-
Improper pruning timing: Yep, still the #1 reason
Final Thoughts: Prune Less, Bloom More
At the end of the day, hydrangeas don’t need heavy pruning. In fact, most bloom better when you take a light touch. Once you learn their blooming habits and time your cuts just right, you’ll be rewarded with full, colorful blooms that stop passersby in their tracks.
So the next time you feel the urge to hack your hydrangeas down to stubs, pause. Take a breath. And remember—you’ve got this. And now, you know how to do it right.