A Detailed Guide to the Latest Hydrangea Pruning Methods

Hydrangeas differentiate their flower buds in autumn. After the flowers have completely faded in June, pruning should be carried out to promote the sprouting of new branches. To make a potted hydrangea have a beautiful crown and bloom abundantly, the plant must be pruned. Below, let us take a look at the hydrangea pruning methods!

Pruning of Hydrangea Cuttings

Usually, when the new shoots of a cutting have grown to about 15cm, pinching is carried out to encourage new stems to sprout from the root zone. Before the new buds sprout in early spring of the following year, keep 5-7 robust main stems per clump and cut away the thin, weak and unhealthy stems, so that nutrients are concentrated on the growth of the new main stems to form flower buds; by the third year it can bloom. However, overly vigorous branches should be pinched in time to slow their growth. After 2-3 years of cultivation, it can leave the nursery; when leaving the nursery it should be taken with a soil ball, protecting the strong buds at the base of the stems.

Pruning of Hydrangea Division Plants

For plants propagated by division, after they resume growth, the first thing is to tidy up the irregular branches so that the plant becomes well-arranged with a pleasing mix of heights. If the number of stems in the clump is insufficient, promptly support the strong buds at the base of the stems, so that the clump becomes a new plant with 5-7 main stems. Old stems within the clump should be renewed in the third year, so that the new plant remains forever youthful.

Pruning of Old Hydrangea Branches

Hydrangeas generally bloom on two-year-old robust branches. After blooming, the old branches should be cut short, keeping just 2-3 buds, to limit the plant from growing too tall and to encourage new shoots. After autumn, cut off the tips of the new shoots to stop the branches from growing, which helps them overwinter. Through such pruning, the plant's shape becomes quite graceful, greatly enhancing its ornamental value.

Repotting and Changing Soil for Hydrangeas

For potted hydrangeas, generally the pot and soil should be changed once a year. Repotting and changing the soil is best done in early March. The new soil is prepared with a ratio of 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil and 2 parts sandy soil, with an appropriate amount of decomposed cake fertilizer added as a base fertilizer. When repotting, the plant's root system should be pruned, cutting away decayed roots, rotten roots and overly long root fibers. After the plant is moved into the new pot, press the soil firm, then water thoroughly, and place it in a shaded spot for about 10 days, then move it outdoors for normal care.