Blooms on old wood (last year’s stems). Early spring pruning.

• - Remove dead stems (they will be brown and brittle).
• - Cut them down to the first healthy green bud.
• - Remove weak or very thin stems at the base.
• - Leave strong stems with buds — these will produce flowers.

Do not cut the whole plant down, or you may remove all flowers for the year.

Prune after blooming. This is actually the best time for shaping.

• - Remove faded flower heads
• - Cut long stems to a healthy pair of buds
• - Remove 1–2 old thick stems at the base to rejuvenate the plant

Prune soon after flowering (mid-summer). If you prune in fall or spring, you may remove next year’s flower buds.

Blooms on: new wood. Early spring pruning.

• - Cut stems back by about 1/3 of their length.
• - Remove crossing or crowded branches.
• - Remove dead or damaged wood.
• - Keep a strong open framework of branches.
• - This type responds very well to pruning and often blooms even better after pruning.

Pruning after blooming is not necessary.

• - Remove spent flowers if you want a tidy look
• - Do main pruning in early spring

These hydrangeas are usually pruned before new growth starts.

Blooms on new wood. Early spring pruning.

• - Cut stems down to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) from the ground.
• - Remove old weak stems completely.
• - Leave 5–10 strong stems for structure.
• - This produces large flower heads.

No need to prune after blooming. Best practice:

• - Cut back in early spring
• - Remove weak stems and shorten the plant

Blooms on old wood. Early spring pruning.

• - Only remove dead or damaged branches.
• - Avoid heavy pruning.
• - If shaping is needed, prune right after flowering in summer instead.

Light pruning after blooming is OK.

• - Remove old flower heads
• - Lightly shape the shrub

Avoid heavy pruning later in the season.

Early spring tip:

Wait until buds start swelling. Then it’s easier to see which stems are alive and which are dead.