January 16, 2009, Newsletter Issue #247: Hydrangeas.

Tip of the Week

Do not prune your Hydrangea until March and then only if you really need to.
Unlike many other shrubs,hydrangeas do not have to be pruned regularly,but if yours is old
You have two pruning options:
(1)Cut the entire bush down to around 6".....This will rejuvinate an old tired bush, but you will miss next summer´s flowers.
or...
(2) Prune one third of the bush down to 6", and another third in each of the following two springs.
by this method the result is the same but takes longer. The advantage to pruning over three springs is that you would not have a blank year with no flowers.


Until then, leave the old flowers on over the winter period , as they protect the dormant buds from frost damage.

The explanation for missing out on next summers flowers, if you use optin one is a simple one. the wood that your hydangea makes in the summer,flowers the following year, so basically you would be cutting off all the flowering wood.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this English Garden Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Byron White