I prune Bigleaf hydrangeas. Pruning is an important maintenance task for these plants to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. When it comes to pruning Bigleaf hydrangeas, timing is crucial. It’s best to prune them when the flowers begin to fade.
To start, I suggest removing the faded flower heads. This is known as deadheading and it helps to improve the appearance of the plant. Simply cut off the flower heads just above a set of healthy leaves or buds. This will tidy up the plant and prevent it from wasting energy on producing seeds.
In addition to deadheading, you may need to do some more extensive pruning to maintain the shape and fullness of the plant. If you notice any branches that are growing out of bounds or becoming too long, you can selectively prune them back to a pair of healthy buds or a main stem. This will help to encourage branching and create a more compact and bushy appearance.
When pruning, it’s important to use sharp and clean pruning shears or secateurs. This will ensure clean cuts and minimize the risk of introducing diseases to the plant. I always make sure to sanitize my pruning tools before and after each use to prevent the spread of any potential pathogens.
When it comes to timing, it’s crucial to avoid pruning Bigleaf hydrangeas after August 1st. This is because the plant starts forming flower buds for the following season in late summer. Pruning after this point may result in fewer flowers the following year. So, it’s best to get your pruning done before August 1st to allow the plant enough time to set flower buds for the next season.
In my own experience, I have found that regular pruning of Bigleaf hydrangeas helps to maintain their overall health and appearance. By removing faded flower heads and selectively pruning branches, I have been able to create more compact and bushy plants that produce abundant flowers year after year.
To summarize, yes, pruning Bigleaf hydrangeas is an important task to maintain their health and appearance. Deadheading the faded flower heads and selectively pruning branches can help promote branching and fullness. It’s crucial to avoid pruning after August 1st to allow the plant enough time to form flower buds for the following season. By following these pruning practices, you can enjoy beautiful and thriving Bigleaf hydrangeas in your garden.
