#pruning hydrangeas

First, a disclaimer: some people leave it until the late Winter to prune their hydrangeas. It depends where you leave mostly, I reckon. If you have very cold Winters, and the temperature drops below 5°C regularly, then yes, it may be wise to wait. It also depends where your shrub is planted, too. Mine is not exposed to cold winds, and it sustains an Autumn trim very well. Plus, I like to hang the last pink-ish blooms with twine, upside down in the garage and let them dry to make Winter bouquets or wreaths, once they’ve taken that mauve to purple hue: gorgeous! And also, I do not like the sight of brown, withered flowers when I look out in the front garden...

So, whether you do it now or later in the Winter, start with dead-heading. Just cut out the withered bloom with a pair of good secateurs, very near the base of the flower. Then, when they’re out of the way, cut the stems, above the forming buds. You can cut very low, even remove some stems altogether; they will re-grow. 

Just try and make sure there are leaves remaining above and around these buds, so they’re protected in case of frost.

It’s always worked for this one, and every Spring through Summer, I have gorgeous hot-pink blooms to make beautiful bouquets with (and as I mentioned, once dried they’re still all around the house during the cold months, too!)