Question 1

Is pruning necessary for my Bigleaf hydrangea?

Accepted Answer

Bigleaf hydrangea is grown for its attractive flowers. While not strictly necessary, many people prefer to prune this plant every year or two to encourage flowering and to maintain an attractive appearance. Bigleaf hydrangea is also typically cut back to keep the plant at a manageable size. Without proper maintenance, Bigleaf hydrangea may grow rapidly and uncontrollably, crowding out other plants. if left to grow untended. When it is allowed to get too tall, Bigleaf hydrangea can become top-heavy and the weight can cause some stems to fall over at the height of the growing season.

Question 2

When is the best time to prune my Bigleaf hydrangea?

Accepted Answer

You should not prune your Bigleaf hydrangea at all for the first couple of years after planting it, until it become well established, except to remove dead or damaged stems. Once it is mature, you may choose to cut it back annually depending on the type of growth you like. Flower buds are formed on the new growth produced each spring, sometimes called “new wood.” To ensure that there is plenty of new wood each season, many gardeners choose to do a hard pruning around the end of winter to early spring. Many people also like to deadhead (pruning off dead flowers) throughout the summer and into autumn as flowers die off. That is a right action because it keeps the plant looking tidy and also allows it to divert all its energy into other parts that are still actively growing.

Question 3

How can I prune my Bigleaf hydrangea?

Accepted Answer

There are a couple of options for pruning Bigleaf hydrangea, depending on the size of shrub and the type of flower you prefer to grow. For a more compact plant with larger but fewer blooms, the whole plant can be cut back prior to the growing season. If you prefer to allow the plant to get larger, with smaller but more numerous flowers, you can choose to prune some stems while keeping others intact. For Bigleaf hydrangea, the best type of tool to use is a set of bypass pruners. Invest in a quality pair of shears that will be sharp enough to cut cleanly through the stems. Disinfect your cutting tool before pruning and when moving between plants to keep it from transferring diseases between plants. Either a bleach solution diluted to 10% or 70% isopropyl alcohol are readily- available options to use for disinfecting tools. Hard pruning involves cutting all stems of the Bigleaf hydrangea back prior to the growing season. Up to two thirds of the original length can be cut off. Especially weak or unhealthy looking stems can be cut at the soil line. This method produces the largest blooms. A less extreme pruning lets the plant continue to grow bigger, but improves vigor by removing just the oldest stems from your Bigleaf hydrangea. Removing the tallest stems also keeps the plant at a reasonable size. You can also remove any stems that are growing sideways or otherwise detracting from the overall shape of the plant. This pruning method lets the plant produce the maximum number of flowers over the growing season. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head.

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Are there any tips for pruning my Bigleaf hydrangea?

More Questions About Bigleaf hydrangea

Is pruning necessary for my Bigleaf hydrangea?

When is the best time to prune my Bigleaf hydrangea?

How can I prune my Bigleaf hydrangea?