Is this a lilac? - Ask Extension
What is this plant and how best to prune it?
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Is this a lilac? #868619
Asked May 15, 2024, 6:50 PM EDT
What is this plant and how best to prune it?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Susan,
You have an oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and from what I can see, it appears to be a healthy one. It's a beautiful shrub!
You can prune it after it has finished flowering, if the plant needs it. Don't wait too long, however, because it will starting setting buds in early fall, maybe as early as August. If you cut off those buds, you won't have flowers next year.
Here's some information on hydrangeas from Eric Barrett, who is THE hydrangea expert with the Ohio State University Extension:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1263
https://mastergardener.osu.edu/sites/mgv/files/imce/MISC/Resources/HLL-HHH/Hydrangea-Chart-2020.pdf
Enjoy your beautiful plant!
You have an oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and from what I can see, it appears to be a healthy one. It's a beautiful shrub!
You can prune it after it has finished flowering, if the plant needs it. Don't wait too long, however, because it will starting setting buds in early fall, maybe as early as August. If you cut off those buds, you won't have flowers next year.
Here's some information on hydrangeas from Eric Barrett, who is THE hydrangea expert with the Ohio State University Extension:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1263
https://mastergardener.osu.edu/sites/mgv/files/imce/MISC/Resources/HLL-HHH/Hydrangea-Chart-2020.pdf
Enjoy your beautiful plant!
