How to Prune Hydrangeas in Your Garden

There’s no getting around it – Hydrangeas are some of the most rewarding and generous plants in any garden. Whether you’re dotting them through your borders for a burst of dependable colour or making a dramatic statement in patio pots, these versatile shrubs offer great value and bucket loads of beauty.

But if you want to keep them performing at their best year after year, a little seasonal pruning goes a long way. Pruning really does make the difference between a tired-looking plant and a showstopper in full bloom.

What are Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are hardy deciduous shrubs native to Asia and the Americas, best known for their large, showy flowerheads which come in a range of shapes and colours – think big mopheads, delicate lacecaps, elegant panicles and bold ball-like blooms.

These plants flower in summer and autumn and are brilliant at bringing structure, colour, and sheer presence to beds, borders, and containers. Plus, they’re colour-evolving! You’ll see a change in colour on many varieties depending on the pH of the soil they are grown in – acidic soil gives you blues, while alkaline leans towards pink.

With a bit of planning, you can have a Hydrangea in bloom from mid-June right through to the first frosts. They’re generally tough, reliable, and many varieties are fantastic for pollinators too.

The Hydrangea Plants Sold by YouGarden

At YouGarden, we’ve handpicked a range of Hydrangeas that perform brilliantly in British gardens.

Enjoy a range of favourites, such as the cones of Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, the unusual, yet eye-catching Hydrangea ‘Glam Rock’, or discover a recent variety or two, such as the remarkably rich shades of Hydrangea ‘Deep Purple Dance’.

Struggling to pick just one to grow? Why not go for a collection to introduce a wave of varying colour to your garden, such as the pink and white blooms of this Hydrangea paniculata Collection, or the blue, red, and white flowers of the Hydrangea ‘Little Hortensia’ Collection.

General Planting Guide for Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are best planted in spring or autumn, as this is when the soil is moist but not frozen, and the plants aren’t under heat stress. In most circumstances, try to plant your Hydrangea as soon as soon as you can.

Choose a semi-shaded spot if you can – morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, although paniculata types will tolerate full sun better.

When planting, dig a hole approximately two to three times as wide as the nursery pot the plant is supplied in, but no deeper than the rootball. Add plenty of organic matter – garden compost or well-rotted manure works wonders – and backfill, firming the soil gently.

Water thoroughly after planting and keep well-watered through dry spells in the first year.

Hydrangeas enjoy fertile, moisture-retentive soil and respond well to mulching in spring and autumn. For containers, choose a large pot and a good quality compost like our Premium Professional Compost, and don’t forget to feed regularly for best results.

Why is Pruning Important for Hydrangeas?

Pruning helps keep your Hydrangea in good shape – literally! It encourages fresh growth, bigger blooms, and prevents the plant from becoming woody and sparse.

Crucially, it also helps you manage flowering time and flower size. Different types of Hydrangea need different approaches – some bloom on old wood (last year’s stems), others on new growth made in spring. Get the pruning wrong and you risk cutting off the flower buds. But get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with stronger stems, healthier foliage, and a truly dazzling summer display.

Pruning is also your chance to remove dead or damaged wood, improving air circulation and reducing the risk of disease – giving you happier plants for longer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning Your Hydrangea Plants

Let’s keep it simple. First things first—identify the type of Hydrangea you’re growing:

Macrophylla, including mopheads and lacecaps – flower on old wood

Paniculata and arborescens – flower on new wood

Aspera and climbing types – mostly on old wood, but minimal pruning required

General Hydrangea Pruning:

Wait until late winter or early spring, around March time is ideal, when the risk of hard frost has passed.

Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged stems – cut right back to healthy wood.

For macrophylla and aspera types, cut back just the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds lower down. Leave the rest alone – don’t be tempted to tidy too much!

Always use sharp, clean secateurs and cut just above a bud, angling away to shed water.

For paniculata and arborescens, cut back all the stems to a strong bud pair around 20-30cm above ground. These Hydrangea flower on new growth so they’ll come roaring back.

Finally, clear away any old leaves or pruning and apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure to feed the plant for the season ahead.

Remember, even if you do prune a bit too hard or too late one year, Hydrangeas are forgiving plants. They might skip a bloom cycle, but they’ll bounce back. With a little care and attention, they’ll give you years of garden joy.