Hydrangeas are one of the most popular shrubs grown in British gardens and, with the right care, they will provide you with a wealth of beautiful flowers year after year.
Hydrangeas are a favourite among British gardeners, adorning many a garden with their vibrant and long-lasting blooms that come alive from mid-spring to late summer. They’re not only a feast for the eyes but also low-maintenance, offering great value.
What’s more, these versatile shrubs can thrive in tricky spots, including shaded areas, and some varieties are even pot-friendly. The colour of hydrangea flowers is influenced by the soil they’re planted in: slightly alkaline soil yields pink flowers, while a neutral pH can result in purple blooms.
For blue hydrangeas, acidic soil is your best bet. I have four hydrangea shrubs in my garden, chosen specifically because they’re one of the few plants that can tolerate the shade they unfortunately receive.
Last summer, for the first time ever, they rewarded me with a wealth of stunning pink and purple flowers – all thanks to my timely pruning in spring.
In the past, I would remove all the old blooms during winter, eager to tidy up the garden before spring’s arrival. However, this is said to be the worst thing you can do when pruning hydrangeas as it prevents potential blooms from growing, reports the Express.
After a season of learning through trial and error, I decided to prune and deadhead my hydrangeas in spring, just after the last frost at the end of March.
Hydrangeas form their flower buds on old wood, so cutting them back too late in the season meant I was unknowingly eliminating the upcoming summer’s flowers.
Bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas are known for setting their flower buds on the previous season’s growth. This means that if you get a bit too snip-happy in winter, autumn or early spring, you might end up pruning away those precious buds, leaving you with a lacklustre bloom come summer.
The ideal time to prune these hydrangeas is late March, just after the last frost has made a final visit and the plant is shaking off its winter slumber. This way, you can trim away any frost-bitten wood without jeopardising the healthy flower buds, guaranteeing a riot of colour when summer rolls around.
The logic behind this is straightforward: by holding off until after the last frost, you’re protecting those delicate new buds from any surprise cold snaps. Plus, a little trim at this time encourages the plant to sprout stronger stems and more vibrant flowers.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), hydrangeas don’t need much TLC, but a yearly prune can stimulate fresh growth and a more impressive floral display. Come early spring, it’s time to snip off the dead flowerheads, cutting back the stem to the first robust pair of buds beneath the faded bloom.
