When to prune hydrangea, bigleaf/mophead and lacecap (H. macrophylla)
Within about 4 weeks after flowers fade. Next year's flower buds form in late summer on this year's stems, so prune only right after bloom. Late-winter pruning removes the flowers.
| Type | shrub |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | old wood (rebloomers also bloom on new wood) |
| Bloom season | early-mid summer |
| When to prune | Within about 4 weeks after flowers fade |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Fall and late-winter cutting back; deadwood removal in spring is fine once buds show which stems are alive.
Also
Rebloomers (Endless Summer types) tolerate light spring tidying.
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Sources
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Hydrangea
- University of Georgia Extension: B961: Pruning Ornamental Plants in the Landscape
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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