Here are some guidelines for you:

Pruning Hydrangeas

• Prune only as needed; know what you want to achieve

• Pruning stimulates growth so be careful WHEN you prune.

• Pruning is a good way to remove dead, diseased or weak branches.

PRUNING OLD WOOD

Old Wood hydrangeas are the mopheads or lacecaps (Macrophyllas and Serratas) and the Oakleaf (Quercifolia)

Spring blooming shrubs develop buds in fall

•  Tend to bloom early in season

PRUNING NEW WOOD

New Wood hydrangeas are the Limelight (Panciculatas) or Annabelle (Arborescens).

Summer/Fall blooming shrubs form buds as they grow

•  Tend to bloom later in season

WHEN DOES THE SHRUB FORM FLOWERS?

• If it blooms BEFORE May 1 … Prune AFTER flowers – blooms on “old” wood (no later than 4th July)

• If it blooms AFTER May 1 … Prune BEFORE new growth begins in the spring – blooms on “new” wood