Should you prune hydrangeas in the fall? Today we're pruning panicle and smooth hydrangeas in the fall and talking about why, when, and how to prune panicle and smooth hydrangeas in late fall.
Mountain, Bigleaf, and Oakleaf hydrangeas form their flower buds on old wood. Therefore, next summer's buds are already present on the branches in fall and winter. Smooth and panicle hydrangeas form their flower buds on new wood, once they begin to grow in spring. That’s why it's important to identify which type of hydrangea you have before you prune.
Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood finish flowering late in the season and pruning them after they bloom doesn’t leave enough time for them to regrow and form flower buds for next year. Avoid pruning these hydrangeas except to remove any completely dead branches in the spring once the plant starts to leaf out.
Examples of hydrangeas that bloom exclusively on old wood include:
Smooth and panicle hydrangeas can be pruned in late fall once the plants have gone dormant or in early spring. Next year’s flower buds won’t be formed until late spring the same year they bloom, so there is no risk of removing the buds if you prune in fall or spring.
If you like the look of dried flower heads in your garden in the wintertime, leave them on and prune them in spring. If you live someplace where there is a heavy snow load or if you prefer a tidier look in winter, prune them in late fall to early winter.
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