When to prune hydrangea after it blooms? Pruning methods and precautions after flowering

Pruning hydrangeas after they bloom is indeed critical, because many large-flowered hydrangea varieties now bloom on old branches. If the management after flowering is not in place, it will also affect the growth of new branches and normal flowering next year. So, when should hydrangeas be pruned after they bloom? How to prune to make more flowers next year?

Pruning after flowering

Most hydrangeas are still in full bloom, but some of the earlier bloomers are nearing the end of their blooming period. Some flowers are beginning to wilt and dry up, so flower lovers are planning to prune the hydrangeas.

In fact, it is best to wait until all the flowers of hydrangeas have faded before pruning them . This way, new branches will grow out in the same neat pattern after pruning, and the viewing effect will be better when they bloom next year.

If you prune every time a flower blooms, the branches will grow unevenly in the later stage. The light will also be balanced, and the next flowering will still be early or late.

Therefore, it is generally recommended that you wait until all the flowers have bloomed before pruning them uniformly, so that the plants grow more neatly and in shape.

Prune after flowering

Hydrangea is a plant that blooms on old branches. When the flowering period ends, the withered flowers should be pruned off as soon as possible so that the axillary buds below can quickly grow into new branches. After autumn, they will gradually age. Next year, flowers will bloom on these new branches.

When pruning hydrangea, you should not just cut off the flower part. Because it grows very fast, if you cut it too high, the new branches growing from the axillary buds will grow higher. When it blooms next time, the branches will bend, affecting the growth of the plant and normal viewing.

When pruning, first check the axillary buds at the bottom of the flower. Generally, the axillary buds of the second leaf from the bottom will be fuller, and all branches can be cut off from this axillary bud .

In fact, the advantage of pruning in the same place is that it allows the new branches to grow to the same height, and the plants will bloom more neatly next time .

Cuttings of branches for grafting

Hydrangea is a very good flower for cuttings. After the flowers bloom, a lot of thick branches will be trimmed off. Don't throw them away. Especially some of the better large-flowered varieties, it is not cheap to buy a pot. We can use these branches for a large number of cuttings and propagate, and we can grow many pots of hydrangeas.

Cutting method : Just cut the thick branches into 8-10 cm small pieces, keep the top two leaves. Then cut it into loose and breathable substrate, water it thoroughly and move it to a cool place for maintenance. Keep the environment moist afterwards, and it will survive and grow new buds in about a month.