A Guide to Smooth Hydrangea Pruning

Table of Contents

Hydrangeas are beautiful and popular garden plants. They come in a variety of colors, making them ideal for adding interest and texture to your outdoor space. But like any plant, they require care and maintenance to stay healthy and looking their best. Pruning is an essential task in maintaining their health and appearance. In this guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about pruning smooth hydrangeas.

When to prune smooth hydrangeas

There are two ideal times to prune smooth hydrangeas:

1. Pruning in winter

Winter pruning should be done when the plant goes into dormancy. This is usually between January and March, depending on your location. At this point, the leaves have fallen, and the stems are bare, making it easy to see the overall structure of the plant.

2. Pruning in spring

Spring pruning should be done after the plant has begun to bud. This is typically anytime between April and June, depending on your location. During this time, you can remove any damaged or dead wood and shape the plant as needed.

How to prune smooth hydrangeas

Pruning can seem overwhelming, but the process is relatively straightforward. Here's how to get started:

1. Removing dead or damaged wood

Start by removing any dead or damaged wood. You can tell if a stem is dead by scratching the bark with your thumbnail. If it's brown underneath, it's dead. Cut the stem down to where it's green and healthy.

2. Removing old flowers

Remove any old flowers, known as deadheading. This helps the plant put its energy into producing new blooms. Cut back to just above the first set of healthy buds.

3. Reducing size or reshaping the plant

If you need to reduce the size of the plant or want to reshape it, do so now. Start by removing one-third of the oldest stems at ground level. Then prune back the remaining stems by one-third.

Tools needed for smooth hydrangea pruning

Having the right tools will make pruning your smooth hydrangeas easier and safer. Here are the tools you'll need:

1. Pruning shears

Pruning shears are used for making clean, precise cuts on small branches and stems.

2. Lopping shears

Lopping shears are used for cutting thicker branches and stems. They have longer handles and a heavier blade.

Pruning your smooth hydrangeas is a critical step in ensuring their health and beauty. With this guide, you'll be confident in knowing when and how to prune them. By investing just a little time and effort into pruning, you can enjoy a stunning display of hydrangea blooms year after year.

FAQ

Q: Can I prune my smooth hydrangeas during the summer?

A: It's best to avoid summer pruning as it can interrupt the plant's ability to flower.

Q: What should I do if my hydrangea doesn't bloom after pruning?

A: If you've pruned correctly, and the plant is still not blooming, it may be a sign of stress. Check that it's getting adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Q: How often should I prune my smooth hydrangeas?

A: Smooth hydrangeas need pruning once a year. You can choose to prune in winter or spring, depending on your preference.

Q: Should I prune my smooth hydrangeas to the ground every year?

A: No. This practice is known as "copping," and it will cause the plant to produce only new stems. It's necessary to maintain some older stems for bloom production.

Q: Can I prune my smooth hydrangea to be a tree form?

A: Yes, but the process requires patience and dedication. Start by selecting one central stem and removing any lower branching. Support the stem with a stake, and over time, remove any side branching.

Q: What is the best time of year to transplant smooth hydrangeas?

A: The best time to transplant hydrangeas is in the fall when the plant has gone dormant, or in the early spring before new growth begins.

Q: Should I deadhead my smooth hydrangeas?

A: Yes, it's essential to deadhead your hydrangeas regularly. This will encourage new blooms and prevent seed heads from taking energy away from the plant.

Q: How much can I safely prune from my smooth hydrangeas at once?

A: Don't prune more than one-third of the plant's total volume at one time. Doing so can cause stress and possibly harm the plant.

Q: Can I use power tools to prune my smooth hydrangeas?

A: While you can use power tools, it's best to stick with manual tools like pruning shears and lopping shears. This will prevent the risk of damaging the plant.

Q: Why are my smooth hydrangeas not blooming?

A: There could be several reasons your plant isn't blooming. Ensure it's getting adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Also, make sure you're not pruning at the wrong time, as that can cause a delay in blooms. Lastly, avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to leaf growth over flower production.

Remember, pruning your smooth hydrangeas doesn't have to be difficult. With the right tools and knowledge, you'll be well on your way to a healthy, beautiful plant.