Harvesting dried hydrangeas is a common practice, but timing is crucial for their removal.
Hydrangeas, beloved for their magnificent blooms, typically lose their flowers towards the end of summer, with the blooming season ending in September. These delicate plants are divided into two different pruning groups based on the time and extent of pruning they require.
Pruning Group 1: Old Wood Bloomers
Group 1 hydrangeas, including Hydrangea macrophylla and oakleaf hydrangeas, bloom on old wood. To preserve the flower buds that develop on the previous season’s growth and ensure optimal blooming the following year, these plants should be pruned immediately after they finish flowering in summer. Pruning too late risks cutting off the buds for next year’s flowers.
Pruning Group 2: New Wood Bloomers
Group 2 hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens, bloom on new wood. To shape and encourage new flower-bearing wood, these plants should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
The Art of Pruning
While the method of removal can vary—scissors, breaking off by hand, or a garden or hedge trimmer—the recommended approach for Group 2 hydrangeas, when pruned almost to the ground, is a cleaner option with a garden or hedge trimmer. For all hydrangeas, removing wilted flowers stimulates the growth of new flowers. However, incorrect cuts can cause them to lose blooming power.
Timing is Key
The right time for pruning depends on the type of hydrangea. For hydrangeas in Group 1, the buds are formed in the old stems the previous year, so the flowers should be removed in early spring. For Group 2 hydrangeas, the old stems can be removed directly after blooming, as they develop buds on new stems. Sick plants, like those affected by powdery mildew, should be pruned earlier.
Caring for Your Hydrangeas
During the winter, the dried flower heads of hydrangeas serve as frost protection against snow and ice. The dried blooms of hydrangeas adorn the garden landscape and provide shelter for animals.
Group 1 includes garden hydrangea, climbing hydrangea, mountain hydrangea, smooth hydrangea, oakleaf hydrangea, and oakleaf hydrangea. Group 2 includes snowball hydrangea, panicle hydrangea, and Endless Summer hydrangeas.
Following these timing and pruning methods will optimise hydrangea blooming for both groups.
| Hydrangea Group | Blooming Wood Type | When to Prune | How to Prune | |-----------------|--------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Group 1 | Old Wood | Immediately after bloom | Remove spent flowers and shape lightly | | Group 2 | New Wood | Late winter or early spring | Cut back hard to lowest healthy buds |
In summary, caring for your hydrangeas involves understanding their blooming habits and pruning accordingly. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a beautiful display of blooms year after year.
Maintaining a home-and-garden that flourishes includes the art of pruning hydrangeas, which can be divided into two groups based on their blooming habits. Group 1 hydrangeas, such as garden hydrangea, mountain hydrangea, and oakleaf hydrangea, bloom on old wood and should be pruned immediately after blooming in summer. On the other hand, group 2 hydrangeas like snowball hydrangea and Endless Summer hydrangeas, bloom on new wood, and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Cultivating your home-and-garden lifestyle involves understanding and following these pruning techniques to ensure a continual lifestyle of blooming hydrangeas.
