Hydrangeas are one of the most beloved garden shrubs — with their massive blooms, lush foliage, and ability to steal the show all summer long. But if yours aren’t blooming like they used to, or if you’ve accidentally trimmed off this year’s flowers…
You’re not alone.
Most people prune hydrangeas the wrong way.
And when you cut in the wrong place (or at the wrong time), you can wipe out an entire season of blooms.
Let’s break down exactly where and how to prune your hydrangeas — based on the type you have — so you can get more flowers, healthier growth, and better shape year after year.
🧠 First: Know Your Hydrangea Type
Before you prune anything, you need to know which kind of hydrangea you’re working with. There are 3 main types you’ll see in most gardens:
1. Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
The most common type — mophead and lacecap varieties
Colors often range from blue to pink (depending on soil pH)
Blooms on old wood
2. Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
Cone-shaped white blooms that fade to pink
Grows into a large shrub or small tree
Blooms on new wood
3. Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Includes the popular ‘Annabelle’ variety
Round, white flowers
Blooms on new wood
🌼 “Old wood” = last year’s stems
🌱 “New wood” = current year’s growth
✂️ Pruning Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Old Wood)
Most common mistake: Cutting them back in fall or early spring — which removes the buds for this year’s blooms!
✅ The Right Way:
Only prune right after flowering, typically in late summer.
Remove only dead or damaged wood, or lightly shape the plant.
If needed, you can thin out the oldest stems at the base to improve air circulation.
🚫 Do NOT prune in early spring or late fall — that’s when the flower buds are already set for next year.
✂️ Pruning Panicle Hydrangeas (New Wood)
These are very forgiving and great for beginners.
✅ The Right Way:
see next page
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