Pruning Your Summer-Blooming Hydrangea (Snowball Bush): Timing and Technique

Identification

Bloomed August → likely Hydrangea arborescens or H. paniculata (summer-blooming on new wood). Viburnum opulus (common snowball) blooms in spring.

Pruning Window

November through March (dormant season).

Rejuvenation Strategy

• Gradual (recommended): Remove ~⅓ of oldest branches each year until manageable.
• Drastic (avoid): Severe pruning stresses plant, invites pathogens.

Reference

https://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/paniculata.html — photos for ID.