Do I cut down hydrangeas before winter?

In late winter or early spring, these shrubs can be cut all the way back to the ground. Smooth hydrangeas will produce much larger blooms if pruned hard like this each year, but many gardeners opt for smaller blooms on sturdier stems.

How do I prepare my hydrangeas for winter?

The simplest method is to mound shredded leaves or bark mulch around the base of the plant to about 12 inches or so. Put the mulch mound in place in late fall after the ground freezes, and uncover plants in spring when temperatures begin to stay above freezing.

Why is my hydrangea just sticks?

The most common reason Hydrangeas get woody is weather-related. During periods of harsh winter weather, stems can become damaged. These stems die, leaving you with unsightly bare sticks in the spring and summer—a far cry from the lush shrub that you had imagined for your landscape.

Does cutting hydrangeas promote more flowers?

Dull flowers can make your plant look blah, but pruning them away will allow for new growth. When you cut away old blooms, you encourage your plant to produce more blooms. Faded or wilting flowers can be pruned at any time.

Can you cut hydrangeas down to the ground in the fall?

It is easy to grow these hydrangeas because they bloom every year regardless of how they are cared for or treated. They can be pruned to the ground in the fall and they will emerge in the spring with bountiful blooms. However over a period of time this drastic pruning may cause the plant to slowly weaken.

Do hydrangeas bloom on new or old wood?

Old Wood Versus New Wood Some hydrangea species bloom on last-year’s growth, which is often called “old wood.” This old wood contains the flower buds that will open with the coming summer. Pruning in winter or spring would remove the flower buds, leaving us with a bloomless plant this year.

Should I deadhead hydrangeas before winter?

You should deadhead throughout the blooming season to keep your hydrangeas looking their beast and encourage new flower growth. However, stop deadheading hydrangea shrubs in mid to late fall, leaving any spent blooms in place.

Do I need to cut down my hydrangeas for winter?

Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood require pruning in late winter or early spring. Prune to shape, cutting back to about two feet. The pruning promotes new, sturdy growth, which provides the blooms next season.

Do you cut off old hydrangea stems?

To rejuvenate the hydrangea, remove up to 1/3 of the older living stems down to the ground each summer. This will revitalize the plant. If necessary to control the size of the plant, cut back before late July to allow for buds to develop. Usually the plant will return immediately to its former size.

Is Miracle Grow good for hydrangeas?

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food This is an all-purpose blossom booster that’s suitable for use on a wide variety of perennial and annual blooming plants, including hydrangeas.