Knowledgebase
trimming hydrangeas #919781
Asked October 12, 2025, 12:54 PM EDT
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for your question about hydrangeas. The method and timing of pruning hydrangeas will depend on the species of hydrangea you have. Some species bloom on old wood (last year’s growth), some species bloom on new wood (this year’s growth).
If you have hydrangeas that bloom on old wood such as big leaf or oak leaf, prune after the blooms have faded (late July or August. For hydrangeas that bloom on new wood panicle or smooth leaf prune in late winter or early spring.
If you are unsure what type of hydrangea you have, it would be recommended to wait until next season and try to determine what type of hydrangea you have so you can prune at the proper time.
Below are some resources on best pruning practices:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring_shape_up_tidying_up_your_plants
https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/hydrangea_v032021.pdf
when should hydrangeas be trimmed and how should it be done, thanks.
