Faded hydrangea flowers should be removed, but doing so at the appropriate time is crucial.
The faded flowers of hydrangeas must be removed, to encourage the formation of numerous new shoots. But be careful, the right time is crucial, otherwise flowering may not take place the following year. So don’t rush at the end of summer to cut off all the dry flowers. Pruning rules are different depending on the hydrangea species. You will have to take the size group into account.
Typically, flowering ends in September, and the plant gradually begins to prepare for winter. But be careful, this is not necessarily the right time to get rid of faded flowers. Unless the plant is sick, such as downy mildew, you should consider pruning a little earlier. Otherwise, remove the flowers according to the size group of your hydrangea. This plant is divided into two different pruning groups based on their species, which differ in both the timing of pruning and the extent of cutting. The same goes for cutting dead flowers.
Size group 1 includes garden hydrangea or giant leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris), flatleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata), velvet hydrangea (Hydrangea sargentiana) and oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). What do they have in common? The new buds are already dormant in the old branches of the previous year, which is why you should only remove the flowers at the end of winter, no later than mid-March, just above the first buds well developed. If you cut too early, your plant will not flower next year.
Pruning group 2 includes two species, snowball hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). Their particularity? These species develop buds on new shoots, so you can remove old branches immediately after flowering above a well-developed pair of leaves, without waiting for the end of winter. You can also leave the flowers on the bush over winter, then prune the entire plant in late February or early March, to about two-thirds of its height.
However, it may be worthwhile to wait until the end of February to prune, even of pruning group 2. As the winter progresses, the faded flowers serve as protection against frost, snow and ice for the plants. Additionally, these flowers end up beautifying the garden landscape and thus providing landing areas and shelter for animals. Be careful, do not prune your hydrangeas too late, otherwise flowering will also take place quite late. Ideally, it is best to have pruned your plants before the end of February.
