Why Your Hydrangea Stopped Blooming: Pruning Timing Is Everything

Most hydrangeas (macrophylla, serrata, quercifolia) bloom on old wood. Pruning in fall, winter, or early spring removes the flower buds formed the previous summer. The fix: prune ONLY between June 20 and July 4, right after flowering finishes. This gives the plant time to set buds for next year. If you've been pruning at the wrong time, stop for a year—you'll likely see blooms return. For smooth hydrangea (arborescens 'Annabelle') and panicle hydrangea (paniculata), which bloom on new wood, late winter pruning is fine.