What To Know
- As the seasons change and autumn’s crisp air fills the air, it’s time to turn our attention to the care of our beloved hydrangeas.
- Pruning hydrangeas in fall is a crucial step in ensuring their health, vigor, and bountiful blooms in the upcoming season.
- Pruning hydrangeas in fall is a simple but essential task that will help your plants thrive in the years to come.
As the seasons change and autumn’s crisp air fills the air, it’s time to turn our attention to the care of our beloved hydrangeas. Pruning hydrangeas in fall is a crucial step in ensuring their health, vigor, and bountiful blooms in the upcoming season.
Types of Hydrangeas and Their Pruning Needs
Hydrangeas come in various types, each with its unique pruning requirements. Here’s a quick guide to help you identify yours:
- Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): These hydrangeas bloom on old wood, meaning they set their flower buds in the summer of the previous year. Pruning in fall removes spent blooms and encourages new growth for next year’s blooms.
- Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens): Also known as Annabelle hydrangeas, these bloom on new wood, meaning they produce flower buds on the current year’s growth. Pruning in fall can help control size and encourage more blooms.
- Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): These hydrangeas also bloom on new wood and require little to no pruning in fall. However, deadheading spent blooms can improve their appearance.
When to Prune Hydrangeas in Fall
The ideal time to prune hydrangeas in fall varies depending on your location. Generally, it should be done after the first hard frost but before the ground freezes. This allows the plant to enter dormancy before any severe weather sets in.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp bypass pruners
- Gloves
- Pruning shears (optional)
- Mulch or compost
Step-by-Step Pruning Guide
1. Remove Spent Blooms:
For bigleaf hydrangeas, carefully remove spent blooms by cutting just above the first pair of healthy leaves.
2. Remove Dead or Diseased Wood:
Inspect the plant for any dead, diseased, or damaged canes. Cut these back to the ground.
3. Prune Old Canes:
For bigleaf hydrangeas, prune old canes that are more than three years old. Cut these back to the ground or to a strong lateral branch.
4. Control Size:
If desired, you can prune back the plant to control its size. Smooth and panicle hydrangeas can be cut back to about 12-18 inches from the ground.
5. Mulch and Clean Up:
After pruning, spread a layer of mulch or compost around the base of the plant to protect the roots and retain moisture. Clean up any fallen leaves or debris to prevent disease.
Pruning for Specific Bloom Types
For Pink or Blue Blooms:
Bigleaf hydrangeas produce pink or blue blooms depending on the soil pH. If you want pink blooms, prune in fall and amend the soil with lime. For blue blooms, prune in fall and amend the soil with sulfur.
For White Blooms:
White-blooming hydrangeas do not change color based on soil pH. Prune them in fall as described above.
Wrapping Up
Pruning hydrangeas in fall is a simple but essential task that will help your plants thrive in the years to come. By following these steps and considering the specific needs of your hydrangea type, you can ensure a healthy and beautiful display of blooms each season.
Answers to Your Questions
1. When should I prune hydrangeas in fall?
Prune after the first hard frost but before the ground freezes.
2. What tools do I need for pruning?
Sharp bypass pruners and gloves are essential.
3. How far back should I prune bigleaf hydrangeas?
Cut back spent blooms just above the first pair of healthy leaves.
4. Can I prune smooth hydrangeas in fall?
Yes, prune to control size and encourage more blooms.
5. Do I need to amend the soil for hydrangeas?
Yes, for bigleaf hydrangeas, amend the soil with lime for pink blooms or sulfur for blue blooms.
