What's your question? Ask

Hydrangea Plants

Q.Pruning Hydrangeas

Zone Chesterfield | Willbill added on February 26, 2022 | Answered

March UK, Frosts over. Dead heading (flowers) no problem. It’s the stalks with no flowers on in Feb. But have large healthy buds on the very tip of the stem plus most of the way down. 1.Can these also be pruned back, if so when is the best time. 2. How can I distinguished between a leaf and flower bud. Thanks

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
GKH_Susan
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on February 26, 2022

The flower buds will be on the ends of the stems (terminal buds) or on separate flower stalks. They are plumper than leaf buds, which are more pointed. If you have a bigleaf hydrangea, it forms flower buds on the previous season's growth (old wood), so do not cut those off or you will lose your blooms. Prune those after flowering. Here is a good guide. If you don't know the type of hydrangea you have, it's best not to prune. Wait to see when the shrub blooms, spring vs summer, which will tell you when to prune.

https://hgic.clemson.edu/pruning-hydrangeas/

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Hydrangea Plants
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK