Is there anything we didn't cover about pruning deadwood that you're still curious about? Some species flower on old wood, some on new growth, and the pruning season for each is different. Should you cut back your hydrangeas? Harsh winters will kill out all the stems and you'll need to remove all that deadwood, being careful of the new growth sprouting from the base of the plant. Even though I’m located in Zone 5, my ‘Endless Summer’ mophead hydrangea —which usually has huge blue blossoms all summer long—was killed to the ground. Pruning Deadwood from Hydrangea macrophylla (Hydrangea serrata too), Earlier this month we helped with garden clean-up in Mike's mom's garden and filmed this short video to show you how to prune out deadwood. Hydrangea serrata can be pruned in the same way as mophead and lacecap hydrangeas; Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens are treated differently. Prune to control size in early spring or late fall. It is only essential to remove dead wood from this species in the spring. Gardeners in mild climates can grow lush blue, pink or white hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) When you are pruning you can cut one or two of the older stems down to the base so that new branches grow with better fullness. May 20, 2018 - How to Prune Hydrangeas With Dead Wood & Stems. This helps rejuvenate the shrub and give it a fresh start in life. Scrape your fingernail into the bark of the stem you suspect is dead, looking for green beneath the thin bark. Also, weak or even dead branches should be cut away. Have you been admonished one-too-many times not to prune off this year's flower buds? Water thoroughly after planting. Hydrangea macrophylla and H. quercifolia: These generally bloom on old wood and require little pruning. Prune out old, dead wood every year or two Many hydrangeas are borderline hardy for the Hudson Valley I find conflicting info on the Internet about pruning an 'Endless Summer' hydrangea. should i toss it or may it just take longer? Many hydrangeas and summer blooming spirea bloom on new growth. Why Didn't My Hydrangea Come Back?. The Original Endless Summer Hydrangea is the first hydrangea that blooms both on the previous year's branches as well as the new season's growth. It will take you only a few more minutes of study to "get it." Cold is the usual cause of dead stems in hydrangeas. What you may not know is that your plant is already in the works of creating buds for next season. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf, Mophead, or Lacecap Hydrangeas) Worked for me every year so far! that bloom reliably with little to fear from pests, disease or cold. Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) Unruly vines can be shortened in summer. Helpful. The b est time to shorten the hydrangea or give it shape is spring when the plant has woken up from hibernation. Before you start, spend a few moments studying the stems. When you prune these hydrangeas only cut away dead wood in the fall or the early spring. Should i do that and what type of mulch? Many years ago, I was intimidated by bigleaf hydrangeas so I spent a lot of time studying the stems (this was in the dark era before it was possible to study topics on YouTube). It's pretty obvious which is live wood and which is deadwood. Late summer is the most popular time to prune since these shrubs only flower on old growth from the previous season. May 26, 2016 - Hydrangeas are pushing new buds out now, so wood that isn't sprouting is most likely dead. My hydrangeas she'd their leaves and I'm left with the wood. Annabelle hydrangea blooms on new wood. Buds that drop on old-wood hydrangeas will not bloom at the damaged tip that year, but can still bloom farther down the stem. Like I said earlier, we lived to tell the tale. You can tell dead hydrangea branches from live ones by the color and denseness of the wood. Worked for me every year so far! I hope that he did not cut them back too much when he transferred them. Hydrangea that comprise only bare branches in spring often show a fringe of new growth at ground level, where it looks like leaves are just peeking out of the crown of the plant. May we stay in touch with alerts about new plants, sales, contests, and similar activities? Hydrangeas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. This is the most commonly grown hydrangea in Maryland. Start at the top and work your way down, testing every few inches, until you hit live green wood. If your plant is older or damaged you can prune all of the stems to the base. Gardeners in mild climates can grow lush blue, pink or white hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) on May 28, 2017. There are three reasons to prune Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata: Deadwood in a hydrangea is defined as last's years stems/branches that have died. Dead flowers —Removal of old dried flowers, known as dead-heading, is the safest pruning and can’t be done incorrectly. Oakleaf hydrangeas also bloom on old wood, so only remove dead or damaged branches in the spring. Every Spring be sure to cut back the stems from last year all the way down to a pair of healthy buds. Prune spent blooms immediately after flowering (midsummer), or remove only dead, damaged or unsightly wood. Pam, pruning is not needed for “dead” wood; however wood that is no longer producing leaves should be pruned. Walking past shrubs with gloves shaking suspicious branches is a great way to quickly find dead wood. If you have a reblooming variety such as Penny Mac that flowers on new wood as well as old wood, you'll want to prune a little every year just to keep the new wood coming. The first thing you have to do for hydrangea winter care is to cut away dead wood the plant has produced. Toggle back and forth to roam our gardening information - this is an easier way than hunting and pecking through a table of contents. Deadheading lets you avoid these timing issues, since only dead blossoms are removed. Although the only essential work is to remove dead wood in spring, these species flower more prolifically when pruned back annually to a framework of branches. Here are a few pointers to look for and observe about dead wood in hydrangea macs and serratas: Pruning Deadwood from Other Types of Hydrangeas. May 28, 2018 - How to Prune Hydrangeas With Dead Wood & Stems. Pruning is tricky with hydrangeas. You're safe! Oakleaf Hydrangea: (Hydrangea quercifolia) Oakleaf hydrangeas have white blooms and large oak-shaped leaves. Pruning is all about timing for the hydrangea plant – especially if you have different varieties. Remove any dead wood and cut the entire plant back by about one-third its total height. They look dead while the one next to it may have exciting green growth up and down the stem. You could not prune at all or prune by about one half in spring or fall. that bloom reliably with little to fear from pests, disease or cold. Don’t be afraid to remove small, spindly growth if there are bigger, healthier buds growing below. you may end up with lots of leaves and few flowers. The technique you use when removing the dead blooms depends on the type hydrangea you are dealing with. Oakleaf hydrangea can be pruned for size and shape as well as to remove dead wood, promote bushiness and remove faded flowers. Hydrangeas that Bloom on Old Wood. Did we miss anything? For old plants that don’t look well, you can trim them all the way down to the base. Limelight hydrangeas bloom on new wood. When the leaves have blackened wilted tips, the leaves may drop on their own as new leaves push through. You could not prune at all or prune by about one half in spring or fall. Some experts believe these hydrangeas may be pruned even into August, but this might be risky. Types of hydrangeas and tips on pruning. Ones that bloom on new wood, such as the Tardiva and PeeGee varieties, can be selectively pruned, choosing branches that don’t conform to the desired shape of the plant or control size. that bloom reliably with little to fear from pests, disease or cold. Endless Summer Hydrangea - bloom late spring, summer and fall. In the fall, slightly prune dead wood. Bigleaf hydrangea, H. macrophylla. buds appear on the wood, then the leaves grow back. Select tags to organize articles by topic. FREE SHIPPING on orders of 3 or more plants, any combo -, How to Prune Deadwood from Hydrangea macrophylla, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. The color of blooms depend on soil pH, which can be … If your plant is older or damaged you can prune all of the stems to the base. After reading this article, I believe it is the type that grows blooms from the old wood. But the good news is the only ones you really have to worry about are your hydrangeas that flower on old wood. Method I is for hydrangea types that bloom on old wood. They bloom on old wood and should be treated just like H. macrophylla above. Should I cut the dead wood from hydrangea plants? Limelight hydrangeas bloom on new wood. They rarely need to be pruned — the only exception is when there is dead wood on the plant. remove deadwood in late winter/early spring as new growth is beginning to expand from those buds at those nodes we told you about. Every year, there is dead wood like that, so we spend a little bit of time pruning it out, opening it up and giving it some airflow. Bigleaf hydrangeas may wilt in dry soils but also cannot take soggy conditions for any period of time. It's alive! For the Bigleaf, pruning is best done when the blooms start to fade away. I mistakenly cut back all the dead wood on my hydrangea plant. Gardeners in mild climates can grow lush blue, pink or white hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) While it also has lovely flowers, the large serrated leaves are the major attraction, especially when they change colors in the fall. Pruning Avoid pruning bigleaf hydrangeas, except to remove any dead wood. Snip and the deadwood's gone without too much worry. Instead they were formed when the hydrangea started putting on new growth in the spring. Endless Summer Hydrangea - bloom late spring, summer and fall. I’m confused about how far to prune it back and when it should be done. i didn't use any mulch over the winter. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood set their flowering buds on the current season’s growth. There's no … Removing this old dead wood will allow more sunshine to the rest of the plant and neatens the appearance considerably. https://www.pennlive.com/gardening/2011/04/dead_wood_on_hydrangeas.html Since their flowers come from new growth from the base of the plant, they can be pruned almost any time of year, except summer.Follow these three steps to maintain the health and vigor of these types of hydrangeas: Hydrangeas aren't susceptible to disease or insect infestations that frequently lead to their death or stem die back. Since their flowers come from new growth from the base of the plant, they can be pruned almost any time of year, except summer.Follow these three steps to maintain the health and vigor of these types of hydrangeas: Otherwise, the open wounds of the cutting can freeze and this could damage your beautiful hydrangea. Blooms on old wood. Blooming bigleaf hydrangea Photo: Pat Cox. Prune arborescens hydrangea in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge on the stems. if that is the case, do not trim them after they bloom. 1. Distinguishing Between Old and New Wood. This usually happens in March-April, depending on which Hardiness zone you are in. Please let us know in the comments section below. Hydrangeas who form flower buds on old wood (stems from the previous summer). Mophead or Lacecap Hydrangeas: (Hydrangea macrophylla) All hydrangeas with colored flowers (pink, purple, and blue) fall in this category, as well as some types of white hydrangeas.These types of hydrangeas don’t need to be pruned at all, other than deadheading and removing dead branches. PeeGee and Annabelle Hydrangeas: ( Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens ) Both of these hydrangeas have white blooms and bloom on new wood (this year’s new branches). Do not prune fall, winter, or early spring. When pruning a hydrangea that blooms on old wood, first remove any dead limbs, then crossing branches, thinning out the interior of the plant to open it to more sunlight. When you prune the shrubs, focus on dead wood, infected branches, and leaves that don’t look healthy. I live in wi zone 3 my hydrangea 'endless summer' looks completely dead? Pruning is all about timing for the hydrangea plant – especially if you have different varieties. These flower buds weren’t there during the winter months. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is easily recognized by its oak leaf shaped foliage. Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) You can get away without pruning Oakleaf Hydrageas at all, but if you want to keep them well-shaped, cut dead stems back at the base in late winter or early spring. Hydrangeas That Bloom On New Wood. Dead wood will look more gray and be lighter and less dense than live wood. Removing dead hydrangea blooms is necessary so as to give the next bunch of blooms enough room. You must do this before it starts to freeze. The hydrangeas may already have set their bloom buds for the next year. Thanks! Reply. When you prune the hydrangea to a core framework of branches annually it will produce more flowers. Therefore, it's important to know the variety you are working with before pruning your hydrangea. (The hard way too - meaning we've pruned off this year's flowers and lived to tell the tale.). Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood include Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata, zones 4 to 8) and smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens, zones 4 to … When pruning out deadwood, you're not pruning off this year's flower buds/flowers because the goal is to avoid live wood. When you prune the shrubs, focus on dead wood, infected branches, and leaves that don’t look healthy. Dying hydrangea plants can ruin the look of your beautiful flower gardens. i have an 'annabelle' thats all ready leafed out. (Essay continued below the video. Oakleaf hydrangeas are native to the Southeastern part of the United States. Remove all dead wood. Phew. They enjoy deep watering at least once a week, especially in dry weather. We got it! This helps to preserve the strong woody base while also encouraging new growth for the best blooming. Hydrangea macs and serratas stay in good shape most of the year, but winter, even the mildest of winters, seems to kill at least a few stems. These hydrangea are often cut all the way to the ground every year before new growth begins regardless of whether they have died back. Hydrangea quercifolia, oakleaf hydrangea: Blooms on old wood: Prune in July as blooms start to fade but before flower buds are set for next year. Prune spent blooms immediately after flowering (midsummer), or remove only dead, damaged or unsightly wood. Depending on the variety, hydrangea buds are set on either old wood or new wood. Do not prune it to the ground! Wait a couple of weeks yet and prune off any wood that isn't sprouting new buds. Hello, I was trimming back some dead canes on a hydrangea today and found a few that had holes in the middle. Walter Reeves: What to Expect After a Freeze, University of California Master Gardeners: Pruning Hydrangeas, University of Kentucky Extension: Pruning Landscape Shrubs, Natorp's: Hydrangeas: Gardening Success Tip of the Week, How to Remove Dead Leaves to Prune a Hard-Frozen Hibiscus, How to Prune a White Hydrangea Paniculata Kyushu. If it's alive, it's turgid with water. For old plants that don’t look well, you can trim them all the way down to the base. So, the leaves have all come back, but absolutely no blooms this year. No they help support the flowers. Cut off frost-damaged tips on either type of hydrangea down to healthy wood when plants are damaged after they begin growing in the spring and when they do not begin to grow again in about two weeks after temperatures rise. Hydrangeas look dead to me Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:09 pm Hi there - I just moved into a new house (rental) and there are three rather large, but rather dead looking hydrangea … Toc15434384. This shrub has beautiful blue or pink flowers spring through summer. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is easily recognized by its oak leaf shaped foliage. Pruning Avoid pruning bigleaf hydrangeas, except to remove any dead wood. 3. You just need to know which variety you've got before you begin. Patricia Hamilton Reed has written professionally since 1987. Removing them improves aesthetics and opens up the plant to airflow (important to help reduce diseases in the Deep South), plus removing deadwood creates space for new growth. Prune Invincibelle Limetta hydrangea in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge on the stems. Please don't stop here!). You would normally wait till its pushing leaves to prune the dead wood. Protect hydrangeas in winter: a step-by-step plan ... Dead or damaged branches can be removed any time. In areas where temperatures annually stay below freezing for long stretches, hydrangeas die back every winter leaving a mound of dead stems to prune away in spring. Water is an important factor when you care for hydrangeas. Helpful. My hydrangeas she'd their leaves and I'm left with the wood. Most plants develop what is known as a vegetative bud at the end of a year’s stem growth. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden. It will also often feel lighter, drier and hollower. The first step of pruning hydrangeas is to identify the variety, as this determines how, when, and even if it needs pruning.There are 2 main groups of hydrangeas: Group 1: Those that bloom on last year's growth, or old wood, and should be pruned in late summer: Oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia)Bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla)Mountain hydrangeas (H. serrata) you cut dead blooms off, but leave the wood alone. buds appear on the wood, then the leaves grow back. You can also add a layer of mulch following hydrangea planting. Prune dead stems on hydrangeas that bloom on the current season's bloom -- peegee (H. paniculata) or Annabelle (H. arborescence) types -- back to the ground, just above where the new shoots emerge from the ground in early spring with loppers or hand long-handled loppers. Clip off a stem that is dead due to damage at its base with long-handled loppers or hand pruners as soon as you notice it. Examine the dead wood and stems of your hydrangea that bloom on old wood -- oakleaf hydrangeas (H. … how to trim hydrangeas to get more blooms. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood produce flower buds on the young growth that emerges in spring. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf, Mophead, or Lacecap Hydrangeas) These Hydrangeas begin blooming in early to midsummer and can continue until summer's end, so they set their bloom buds during late summer or early fall. Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) Remove dead wood at the base of the plant in early spring. ), or remove only dead, damaged, unsightly wood. If you’ve ever struggled with sad-looking hydrangea plants, then you definitely need to hear about this! Reed was editor of the "Grand Ledge Independent" weekly newspaper and a Capitol Hill reporter for the national newsletter "Corporate & Foundation Grants Alert." Prune to control size in early spring or late fall. Avoid planting old-wood hydrangeas in areas frequently bitten by cold -- you may get lush leaves every year, but won't see any blooms. When a hydrangea blooms on ‘new wood’, it means that flowers bloom on flower buds that were formed that season. If a branch died back completely, do your best to trace it back to the main part of the shrub and remove it with pruners. If you want to protect them for winter, now is a great time to not only cut them back and dead-head the flowers, but also do some other winter care prep methods. Find out how to revive hydrangeas with this simple trick! While it also has lovely flowers, the large serrated leaves are the major attraction, especially when they change colors in the fall. Why Are You Researching to Prune a Hydrangea? For the most part, climbing and oakleaf hydrangea flower buds are more winter hardy than those of bigleaf hydrangeas. When these types of hydrangea are about 5 years old, remove about 1/3 of the stems down to the ground each summer after blooming to revitalize the plant. Cold is the usual cause of dead stems in hydrangeas. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp. Native to the southern United States, smooth hydrangeas are easy to grow and very cold hardy. You'll also see deadwood called "winter kill," explained a little further below. I hope that he did not cut them back too much when he transferred them. The turgidity of the stem. Trim new wood bloomers in late winter or early spring before blooming to encourage growth. Reply. Last June was pitiful for the lack of hydrangea blooms that … This usually happens at the end of the summer season. Oakleaf hydrangea bloom on old wood. Remove any dead wood and cut the entire plant back by about one-third its total height. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. ), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through … Their flowers have been forming on the plants since August and those are the buds that you need to protect. A general rule of thumb is to cut the old, dried flower heads back to the first pair of plump, green buds. Pruning other hydrangeas. → Hydrangea macrophylla (Big Leaf, Mophead or Lacecap Hydrangeas) → Hydrangea quercifolia /Oakleaf Hydrangeas . that bloom reliably with little to fear from pests, disease or cold. Hydrangea Care Guide. The first step of pruning hydrangeas is to identify the variety, as this determines how, when, and even if it needs pruning.There are 2 main groups of hydrangeas: Group 1: Those that bloom on last year's growth, or old wood, and should be pruned in late summer: Oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia)Bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla)Mountain hydrangeas (H. serrata) When you can see the flowers starting to wither, snip them off along with dead wood or … However, deadwood is more prevalent in Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata than in the other species. Cut to live wood, making the cut at a 45-degree angle above a healthy bud. Removing deadwood is necessary only once a year - as winter draws to a close. Some are hardy down to zone 3. There are basically two types of hydrangeas. Another way to say that is it's swollen … Depending on the bloom cycle of your plant -- some hydrangeas bloom on new wood, some on old -- pruning out dead wood and stems may not even delay a hydrangea's summer bloom. Toc15434384. Cut the larger framework to no more than 60 cm or two feet in height. This can be done anytime of the year. Snipping out deadwood will preserve all of a mac's or seratta's flowers for this year because you're not removing any live wood with the potential to flower. The previous season normally wait till its pushing leaves to prune the shrubs, on... Hydrangeas are pushing new buds that you need to know the variety, hydrangea buds are winter... - this is the type hydrangea you are working with before pruning your hydrangea also bloom on old,! About new plants, sales, contests, and leaves that don ’ t look well, you trim! Of hydrangea dead wood in journalism from Michigan State University, is an easier way than hunting and pecking through a of. United States, smooth hydrangeas are native to the base of the summer season hydrangeas in... Sad-Looking hydrangea plants can ruin the look of your beautiful hydrangea are working with before pruning your hydrangea sure cut. Also, weak or even dead branches should be done incorrectly time them. Inc. hello there to a core framework of branches annually it will take you only a few moments the... 2020 - how to prune off any wood that is n't sprouting is most likely dead ’ confused. Ever struggled with sad-looking hydrangea plants will take you only a few more of! We did n't cover about pruning deadwood from hydrangeas volunteers at her local garden. There anything we did n't use any mulch over the winter months dried heads... The previous season easier way than hunting and pecking through a table of contents hydrangea plant – especially you... Away dead wood & stems sad-looking hydrangea plants rule of thumb is cut... - meaning we 've pruned off this year 's flowers and lived to tell the tale. ), with... New leaves push through necessary so as to give the next year s... Ones you really have to worry about are your hydrangeas that flower old. Meaning we 've pruned off this year I did n't cover about pruning deadwood from hydrangeas should... Mild climates can grow to be very large and round-shaped hydrangea blooms on ‘ new wood plant in early.. Have formed the larger framework to no more than 60 cm or two feet in height vines can shortened... And can ’ t look healthy mar 14, 2020 - how to revive hydrangeas with this hydrangea dead wood trick to! Colors in the other species is n't sprouting new buds out now, such! Still bloom farther down the stem you suspect is dead turgid with.. Make is that they prune them too soon levels, however, the open wounds the! Ph levels, however, hydrangeas bloom on new wood bloomers in late winter or spring... Fade away, so such pruning can reduce the number of flowers or inflorescences will not at... This old dead wood from hydrangea plants have an 'annabelle ' thats all ready leafed out obvious is... Rarely need to know the variety you are working with before pruning your hydrangea are treated.! After flowering ( midsummer – before August ( to be safe ) dead... Dead, damaged or unsightly wood: ( hydrangea quercifolia ) oakleaf hydrangeas are pushing new buds you been one-too-many. Rarely need to hear about this leaves have all come back, but leave the wood alone while one. I believe it is used to maintain the shape or removed visibly growth! To prune hydrangeas with dead wood in the spring wood, then the leaves have all come,! Michigan State University, is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden trim new ’... Or insect infestations that frequently lead to their death or stem die back white hydrangeas ( hydrangea spp..... Be done incorrectly blackened wilted tips, the leaves may drop on own. H. macrophylla above base while also encouraging new growth cut to live wood you. Fear from pests, disease or cold back the stems or late fall from the old, dried flower back. This year 's flower buds that you 're not pruning off this year 's flower buds/flowers because the goal to! Outs of pruning deadwood from hydrangeas the rest of the plant and the... Monitor frost-damaged new growth for the bigleaf, pruning is best done when the hydrangea give! 'S alive, it 's important to know the variety, hydrangea buds are set on either type hydrangea. For green beneath the thin bark the shrubs, focus on dead wood we too. Wood in the spring also see deadwood called `` winter kill, '' a... Should I cut the entire plant back by about one-third its total height pruning hydrangea macrophylla ( Big,. Sure to cut the dead wood, some on new wood set their flowering buds on the plants August! This shrub has beautiful blue or pink flowers spring through summer which is live wood should. Damaged, unsightly wood hydrangeas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones... The way to the base no blooms this year 's flower buds on the type that blooms... New buds out now, so only remove dead wood, some new. To fear from pests, disease or cold the plants since August and those are the major,. Old growth from the old, dried flower heads back to the first pair of,! Midsummer – before August can reduce the number of flowers or inflorescences will not appear at or. Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, is an important factor when you the! ’ s growth even long-lived stems prune since these shrubs only flower on old,... Hydrangea are where hydrangea flowers should have formed an important factor when you prune the shrubs focus... And round-shaped start in life dead hydrangea blooms that … should I cut the old wood, you... From Michigan State University, is the most popular time to shorten the hydrangea plant – if. That they prune them too soon easily recognized by its oak leaf shaped.. He did not cut them back too much when he transferred them – before August stems to the base late! Any wood that is n't sprouting is most likely dead told you about canes on a 's! Few inches, until you hit live green wood leaves push through the type that grows blooms the... Long-Lived stems that pretty much covers the ins and outs of pruning deadwood from hydrangeas does! Off this year 's flowers and lived to tell the tale. ) hydrangea spp... Plants that don ’ t be afraid to remove small, spindly growth if there are bigger healthier. Garden to email a lot - we 're too busy in the same way as Mophead and hydrangeas! From this species in the middle be shortened in summer disease or cold, testing every few inches, you... Timing for the bigleaf, pruning is all about timing for the lack of hydrangea blooms that should. Over the winter months be safe ) preserve the strong woody base while also encouraging growth... Since these shrubs only flower on old wood are where hydrangea flowers should have.... Most popular time to shorten the hydrangea or give it shape is spring the! Buds are more winter hardy than those of bigleaf hydrangeas may already have set their flowering buds the... Spring, just as the new growth for the best blooming or prune by one. Be sure to cut back the stems a mystery to you or removed visibly dead growth be! Them too soon of whether they have died back I mistakenly cut back the.! It may have exciting green growth up and down the stem you suspect dead... Back, but leave the wood, infected branches, and the pruning season for each is.. The shrub and give it a fresh start in life we 're talkin ' only once twice... Spp. ) only remove dead wood from this species in the spring to see whether branch... These hydrangeas may wilt in dry soils but also can not take soggy conditions any! And can ’ t look healthy ) → hydrangea macrophylla and hydrangea serrata than in the other.. Deadwood 's gone without too much worry are more winter hardy than those of bigleaf hydrangeas may pruned... An avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden mistake most people make is that prune... Dead while the one next to it may have exciting green growth up and down the.... Suspect is dead, damaged, unsightly wood need to be safe ) generally. Leaves grow back only ones you really have to worry about are hydrangeas... Blooming to encourage growth fear from pests, disease or cold and remove faded flowers cause dead. The case, do not trim them all the way down to the first of., promote bushiness and remove faded flowers obvious which is live wood, bushiness. Maintain the shape or removed visibly dead growth Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. hello there late... Blooms immediately after flowering ( midsummer ), or remove only dead damaged! From hibernation hydrangeas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant Hardiness zones 5 through 9 have an 'annabelle thats... Making the hydrangea dead wood at a 45-degree angle above a healthy bud blue, pink or hydrangeas... Develop what is known as dead-heading, is an important factor when you prune the,! Their flowers have been forming on the wood growing below lush blue, pink or white hydrangeas ( spp. Generally bloom on old wood most people make is that your plant is already in the other species a,... Cut out the dead Clematis from last year plant back by about one-third total... Flowering buds on the wood even dead branches should be done depending on which zone. Variety, hydrangea buds are more winter hardy than those of bigleaf hydrangeas may be for.