Blooms on new wood, blooms on old wood, prune, don't prune, when to prune... how to keep it all straight?! Well, it's true, there are several types of hydrangeas and different types require different things. We will explain in this post, specifically, when or when not to prune each type, & if you should or shouldn't to get maximum bloom. By the end of this blog post, you will have a reference for the next time you need to know if your hydrangea blooms on new or old wood (& what that means!)!
First, let's define what "blooms on old wood" & "blooms on new wood" means. Hydrangeas bloom on either, depending on type. If yours blooms on old wood, it means that you will prune it very minimally, as pruning will cut off blooms forming inside the old wood of the stems. Blooming on new wood means just the opposite- you can prune & it will not hinder the blooms, in fact, many times, pruning it can help it bloom better.
Which hydrangea are you growing?
Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla):
Also known as mophead or lacecap, this hydrangea blooms on old wood, so you do not need to frequently prune. Avoid pruning as you will cut off the flower buds that are forming inside the stems, but if you do need to prune to maintain size/etc., it is fine to do so right after it has finished blooming for the season. Waiting to do so later in the year, however, will cut off blooms forming for the next bloom season.
Popular varieties: 'Cityline' series, 'Let's Dance' series, 'Endless Summer' collection
Panicle (Hydrangea paniculata):
Photo credit: www.greatgardenplants.com
Also known as peegee hydrangea, this is another popular hydrangea to grow in our area of Middle TN! Panicle varieties bloom on new wood, so it is fine to prune in late winter/ early spring.
Popular varieties: 'Bobo', 'Limelight', 'Little Lime', 'Pinky Winky', 'Quick Fire', 'Little Quick Fire'
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens):
Many of you may also know this as the Annabelle hydrangea. This variety also blooms on new wood, so you can prune in late winter/ early spring.
Popular varieties: 'Incrediball' series & 'Invincibelle' Spirit series
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia):
Photo credit: www.finegardening.com
Well-loved for its oak-shaped leaves, this hydrangea blooms on old wood, so do not prune unless you need to- then prune after it has finished blooming for the year.
Popular varieties: 'Ruby Slippers', 'Alice', 'Snow Queen', & 'Gatsby' series
Climbing (Hydrangea petiolaris):
Photo credit: www.niwadesign.com
Climbing hydrangeas are truly unique. They can reach 70' tall depending on variety! This hydrangea blooms on old wood, so you should avoid pruning unless you need to keep it smaller in size.
Popular varieties: 'Miranda'
We hope this helps clear up some of the confusion over when to prune or not prune your hydrangeas! Feel free to ask questions below & we hope to see you soon at the Nursery.