Pruning oak leaf hydrangeas - Ask Extension
I planted my oakleaf hydrangea many years ago, and it has grown more than I would like. It takes up a good bite out of my small backyard. I’m append...
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Pruning oak leaf hydrangeas #937522
Asked July 01, 2026, 4:09 PM EDT
I planted my oakleaf hydrangea many years ago, and it has grown more than I would like. It takes up a good bite out of my small backyard. I’m appending two photos, but I’m not sure how clearly you can see it. Should I just cut the stems to control it, or do I have to dig up some of the roots to tame it back into place?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello….
It looks like your oak leaf hydrangea has reached its full size, 6-8 feet! To “tame its size” you have a couple of options.
There is something called renewal pruning where you prune, right after flowering, one third of the largest and thickest branches down to the ground. You will do this each year. This method ensures that you still have blooms each year and reduces the overall size.
The rejuvenation method is where you drastically cut the entire shrub to 12-18 inches. This is done in Iate winter. You will sacrifice blooms for a couple of years, but the shrub should grow vigorously.
Another option right after flowering is to shorten the tallest branches down one third, to an outward facing bud.
As for digging out the roots, you would only dig out the roots if you wanted to divide the shrub. And with a shrub this size it would be quite a challenge!
I’ve included a couple links for more information.
https://u.osu.edu/thenews/2024/05/08/a-few-tips-to-remember-on-pruning-those-hydrangeas-2/
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/pruning-hydrangeas
Thank you for your question!
Cindy O., Master Gardener Volunteer
It looks like your oak leaf hydrangea has reached its full size, 6-8 feet! To “tame its size” you have a couple of options.
There is something called renewal pruning where you prune, right after flowering, one third of the largest and thickest branches down to the ground. You will do this each year. This method ensures that you still have blooms each year and reduces the overall size.
The rejuvenation method is where you drastically cut the entire shrub to 12-18 inches. This is done in Iate winter. You will sacrifice blooms for a couple of years, but the shrub should grow vigorously.
Another option right after flowering is to shorten the tallest branches down one third, to an outward facing bud.
As for digging out the roots, you would only dig out the roots if you wanted to divide the shrub. And with a shrub this size it would be quite a challenge!
I’ve included a couple links for more information.
https://u.osu.edu/thenews/2024/05/08/a-few-tips-to-remember-on-pruning-those-hydrangeas-2/
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/pruning-hydrangeas
Thank you for your question!
Cindy O., Master Gardener Volunteer
