Hydrangeas are classic ornamental shrubs that beautify gardens all over Germany in summer. They are particularly popular for their colorful flower heads, and pruning is the best way to ensure the plant's regrowth year after year. But what should you pay attention to when you cut the hydrangeas? We summarize the biggest mistakes that can damage the shrub and in some cases even result in a lack of flowering.
The most common mistakes when cutting hydrangeas
Annual pruning is essential for a healthy and lushly blooming hydrangea bush. Very few types of hydrangeas do not require pruning, such as the climbing hydrangea, which thrives best when left alone. For the other species, however, correct pruning plays a crucial role in the appearance and health of the plant.
Wilted flowers, dead shoots, and wandering structure are all key elements to address when pruning. But what mistakes could you make?
Ignoring the type of hydrangea and cutting it at the wrong time
This is the most common mistake when caring for and pruning hydrangeas. Because different species require pruning at different times, it is crucial that you know the exact species you are growing in the garden.
All hydrangeas can be divided into two groups: species that bloom on one-year-old (new) wood and species that bloom on previous year's (old) wood. If you don't know what type of hydrangea you have, you run the risk of cutting off its flower buds right away.
- Country hydrangeas(Hydrangea macrophylla),Hydrangeas(Serrated hydrangea),Velvet hydrangeas(Hydrangea sargentiana): With these species, you only remove the dead wood from a fully grown plant in late winter by cutting the shoots down to the ground. This way the plant receives more air and light. All other pruning should be done after the flowers have faded - in July at the earliest and the first week of August at the latest. A later pruning destroys the flower buds from which the next flowers develop.
- Panicle hydrangeas(Hydrangea paniculata),Snowball hydrangeas(Hydrangea aborescens): These species bloom on wood that has grown in spring. You can either do so in the fall after the flowers have faded, orbetter in late winterCut back before too much new growth has set in. This means the shrub can sprout freshly and develop strong, flower-bearing shoots.
Do not cut low-growing hydrangeas
How and when you should prune hydrangeas depends on their type. But that's not the only thing you have to consider when pruning this magnificent plant.
Removing shoots on the shrub is important to stimulate new growth, but many gardeners forget to eliminate the low growth at the base of the plant. It is recommended to remove weak, limp shoots from the entire plant and make sure to also cut out any shoots that are creeping on the ground.
Also interesting:Pruning panicle hydrangeas: 3 mistakes to avoid
Tackling all aspects of the plant will open up the growing space for branching shoots and make your hydrangea look even healthier when the flower heads are in full bloom in summer.
Cut wilted flowers with secateurs or a knife
This mistake when pruning can destroy the flower. The withered parts of the hydrangeas should not be removed until spring because they protect the flower base from frost. However, you shouldn't grab scissors right away, but simply break off the flower heads. This means that new buds form more quickly and the plant blooms more profusely.
Delay pruning or cut only cautiously
The hydrangeas in pruning group 2, namely panicle and viburnum hydrangeas, cannot forgive delayed pruning. They counteract with later flowering, which is sparser and not as beautiful. So cut these speciesalready in autumn(if they are in a protected location) or until the end of February so that the shrub blooms in time and in all its glory.
The pruning should also not be too timid. If the shoots are only cut back by 10-20 cm annually, the shrub tends to grow taller and produces fewer flowers. To avoid this, vigorous pruning in late autumn or winter is necessary to keep the growth compact and ensure strong new growth. It is sufficient if one pair of buds per shoot remains.
Also read:How and when you should prune the viburnum hydrangea
