Pruning Hydrangeas: Timing and Technique

Prune hydrangeas in early spring before growth starts. Use the 1-in-3 rule: remove 1/3 of oldest stems to ground each year.

Identifying Old vs. New Wood

• Old stems: Darker, rougher bark; thicker; may have peeling bark.
• New stems: Smoother, lighter color (greenish to light brown).

By Species

Always remove dead, damaged, crossing branches. For the 1-in-3 method, cut oldest stems at base to stimulate vigorous new growth and better flowering.