2 weeks Ago By Danielle Kate Wroe,Melanie Kaidan
Hydrangeas , the beloved colourful blooms, may not be reaching their full blooming potential due to incorrect pruning , a mistake that could leave your garden lacking its vibrant best. Known for their "big fluffy blooms", proper pruning can transform your green space into a blossoming haven, but are you guilty of this common gardening error? If you're eager to see your hydrangeas in magnificent bloom by spring 2025, it's time to get your hands dirty with some essential winter preparation, crucial for achieving peak floral display. In a handy tip shared on TikTok , @enviiukk warns: "If you're not pruning them the right way, then you could be missing out on their full potential.
" When it comes to hydrangeas, timing is key, and while they benefit from an early spring prune, important steps need to be taken now to ensure future growth. The TikTok plant expert stresses: "It's really important to leave the flower heads on over winter because they help to protect any new buds which are forming lower down in the plant." For those with a passion for gardening, two key pruning methods are vital depending on the type of hydrangea you have, reports the Mirror.
She further explains: "There are plants which flower on old wood and plants which flower on new wood." Her advice for optimal care is clear: "Smooth and Panicle hydrangeas flower on new wood, so they can be cut back much harder to just above a couple of healthy buds lower down in the plant." For those nurturing Macrophylla variants like Lacecaps and Mopheads, she offers a gem of advice: "The Macrophylla hydrangeas called the Lacecaps and the Mopheads will flower on old wood, so all you need to do is remove the flower head, just above a couple of nodes, come spring, you should see new shoots appearing, and then flowers will form from midsummer.
" She reassured horticultural enthusiasts that with proper pruning techniques, their gardens could be transformed into breathtaking landscapes. As questions flew about in the comment section, one plant lover sought counsel on when to move a colourful hydrangea from pot to garden bed, wondering: "I have a smashing one in a pot; when will I transfer it to the ground now or springtime?" The garden gurus recommended: "Try to plant this autumn/winter before the ground freezes over but when the plant is in a dormant state." Furthering the discussion, another queried about managing an encroaching Mophead's size, asking: "How do I cut back Mophead? If I don't, it will take over the whole garden.
Can I cut it back hard?" The response was illuminating, with the suggestion to: "I'd recommend cutting back 1/3 to 1/2 of the stems harder so you still get flowers next year. They can get huge!".
