Prune Hydrangeas Now for a Stunning Spring Bloom
Hydrangeas can transform a spring garden into a vibrant display when pruned correctly. Yet timing and technique matter—cutting them the wrong way can leave plants bare of blooms. Gardeners now face a key window to shape their shrubs before new growth begins.
Late February to early March is the best time to prune hydrangeas, just before fresh shoots appear. A dry, frost-free day ensures clean cuts and reduces stress on the plant. Different varieties demand different approaches, as their flower buds form at separate times.
Group 1 hydrangeas—including mophead (*Hydrangea macrophylla*), lacecap (*Hydrangea serrata*), and oakleaf (*Hydrangea quercifolia*) types—bloom on old wood from the previous year. These should only have dead flower heads and frost-damaged tips removed, cutting just above the first healthy pair of buds. Aggressive pruning risks losing summer flowers. Group 2 varieties, such as panicle (*Hydrangea paniculata*) and smooth hydrangeas (*Hydrangea arborescens*), produce blooms on new wood. These can be cut back hard in late winter, leaving just a few pairs of buds. The 'fingernail test'—scratching stems to check for green tissue—helps identify living wood. Pruning in autumn is risky, as it may remove next year's buds. Miss the late-winter deadline, and plants could stay bare through summer.
Well-pruned hydrangeas reward gardeners with bold, healthy blooms. Following the right method for each variety ensures a spectacular spring show. The effort now prevents disappointment when flowering season arrives.
