The pruning hydrangeas it is an art that requires attention and knowledge, especially when considering the right time to perform this operation.
Many wonder if the beginning offall is the ideal period to prune hydrangea flowers. Are you curious to know the definitive truth?
Continue reading to discover all the details and practical advice.
Why prune hydrangeas?
The pruning it is not just an aesthetic operation; It also has numerous benefits for plant health. Among the main reasons why it is important to prune hydrangeas we find:
- Removal of withered flowers to allow new healthy growth.
- Removal of dead branches or sick people who can compromise the plant.
- Increased flowering for the following season.
- Improve air circulation inside the plant to prevent diseases.
When to prune hydrangeas?
The ideal time to prune hydrangeas is an often debated topic. Pruning in early autumn can have its advantages, but there are other times of the year that may be suitable as well.
Autumn pruning
Pruning in early fall can be effective because the plant is in vegetative rest and stopped blooming. However, care must be taken not to stimulate new growth which could be damaged by the first frosts.
Winter pruning
Another ideal time to prune hydrangeas is around end of winterin January or February. In this period, the plant is still in vegetative rest, and you can proceed with more decisive pruning without risking damaging the new shoots.
How to prune hydrangeas?
For effective pruning, you need to follow some basic steps. Here is a practical guide for pruning your hydrangeas in early autumn:
- Remove wilted flowerscutting the stems above a pair of enlarged buds.
- Cut dry branches or damaged at the base.
- Prune back older branches to encourage the growth of new vigorous stems.
Final advice
Remember to use very sharp and clean tools to avoid damaging the plant or transmitting diseases. Don’t forget to fertilize lightly your hydrangeas after pruning with a hydrangea-specific fertilizer to ensure a vigorous recovery in spring.
We hope that these tips have been useful to you and that your next hydrangea pruning is a success! Don’t hesitate to put these tips into practice and happy pruning!
