Pruning and Propagating Hydrangeas: Common Mistakes

Mophead hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) bloom on old wood. Winter pruning removes flower buds.

Pruning Rules

• Don't prune in winter. Buds for next year form in late summer.
• Only remove dead wood in spring after buds swell.
• If overgrown: Sacrifice blooms for 1–2 years by cutting back hard after flowering.

Rooting Cuttings (If You Pruned)

1. Take 6-inch cuttings; remove all buds/leaves except top 2.
2. Dip in rooting hormone.
3. Stick 1 inch deep in wet sand.
4. Seal in clear plastic bag; warm (75–80°F), out of sun.
5. Roots in 8+ weeks. New buds = rooted.

Key Resource

HydrangeasHydrangeas.com pruning guide—excellent visuals.

Prune right after bloom, not in winter. Cuttings root slowly but reliably.