Hydrangeas Have Bloomed, but Don't Prune Them Without This Check
Incorrect pruning in late summer can remove the buds that should produce new flowers next year. Before you reach for the shears, determine which type you have in your garden.
Incorrect pruning in late summer can remove the buds that should produce new flowers next year. Before you reach for the shears, determine which type you have in your garden.
At the end of summer, the faded hydrangea blooms prompt many gardeners to immediately reach for their shears. However, improper pruning can remove the buds that should produce new flowers in the coming year. Therefore, before pruning, it is crucial to determine which type of hydrangea you have in your garden, as reported by Lika Online.
The most common garden hydrangeas, recognizable by their large, round flower heads, generally bloom on last year's stems. These plants begin forming flower buds for the next season during the summer and early autumn months. If you drastically cut them back now, the plant will likely produce foliage, but it may be without flowers next year.
On such hydrangeas, you can leave the faded blooms throughout the winter. The dried flowers provide visual interest to the garden and can offer some protection to the buds below. If they bother you, remove only the flower head, just above the first pair of healthy buds. Avoid shortening entire branches or shaping the shrub without reason.
A different rule applies to panicle and smooth hydrangeas. They bloom on new shoots that develop during the same year, so they can tolerate more aggressive pruning. However, they don't need to be pruned immediately after flowering. The main pruning is usually planned for late winter or early spring, before the plant begins vigorous growth.
If you're unsure which hydrangea variety you have in your garden, it's advisable to focus solely on removing branches that are completely dried out, damaged, or infected with disease. Wait with more aggressive pruning until you identify the species. Photos of the flowers and the shape of the shrub can help with identification, as can information about whether the plant blooms on old woody stems or on new shoots.
At the end of summer, hydrangeas still need water, especially during hot and dry days. When watering, provide a sufficient amount of water, but less frequently, making sure the water reaches the roots rather than spraying the leaves. A layer of mulch will help retain moisture and protect the shallow root system.
During this period, avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they can stimulate the growth of young shoots that won't have time to harden before colder weather. Instead of radical pruning, now provide the hydrangea with adequate moisture and allow it to gradually prepare for dormancy. A little patience at the end of summer often results in many more flowers the following year.
