Should You Deadhead Hydrangeas to Promote More Flowers? First-Year Expectations

A first-year hydrangea: should blooms be cut to encourage more?

No

• Deadheading does not increase bloom count on hydrangeas.
• First-year plants bloom sparsely; they need 2–3 years to establish.
• After full bloom, light prune for shape—don’t cut back hard.

Patience yields a magnificent shrub.