When to prune hydrangea, smooth (H. arborescens: Annabelle, Incrediball)
Late winter, while dormant (before buds break). Blooms on new wood; can be cut back hard in late winter. Leaving taller stems gives sturdier stems for heavy heads.
| Type | shrub |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | new wood |
| Bloom season | early-mid summer |
| When to prune | Late winter, while dormant (before buds break) |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Pruning after new growth is well along.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | Jan 13–Feb 24 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | Jan 27–Mar 10 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | Feb 4–Mar 18 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | Feb 13–Mar 27 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | Mar 5–Apr 16 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | Jan 16–Feb 27 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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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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