Hydrangea Identification Guide: Know Your Type Before You Prune

Why Identification Matters

Pruning hydrangeas at the wrong time removes next year's flower buds. The key is identifying your type by examining faded blooms in summer.

Common Hydrangea Types and Pruning Times

Type	Faded Bloom Appearance	Prune
Bigleaf (H. macrophylla) – mophead or lacecap	Dark tan by late July; globe-shaped or flat clusters on stiff stems	July only – after bloom, before August bud set
'Annabelle' (H. arborescens)	Light tan, almost white; on 3-ft arching canes	Late winter to early spring
PeeGee (H. paniculata 'Grandiflora')	Similar to bigleaf but on large 5–10 ft shrub with stiff, gently arching stems	Late winter to early spring
'Tardiva' (H. paniculata)	Cone-shaped; blooms mid-late summer after oakleaf	Late winter to early spring
Oakleaf (H. quercifolia)	Cone-shaped; distinctive peeling bark on lower stems	After flowering (summer) if needed

Quick Field ID Tips

• Bigleaf: Blue/pink flowers (soil pH dependent); stiff stems; globe or lacecap heads.
• Oakleaf: Oak-shaped leaves; peeling cinnamon bark; fall foliage color.
• Panicle types (PeeGee, Tardiva): Cone flowers; no oak leaves; large shrubs.
• Smooth ('Annabelle'): Huge white globes; long arching canes; heart-shaped leaves.

When in doubt, consult your local Extension office's hydrangea factsheet.

common hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) with mophead flower

common hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) with mophead flower

common hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) with lacecap flower

oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

pannicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

'Annabelle' hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)