Hydrangeas, the flowers are plump and round, rich in color, and have a long flowering period, which is deeply loved by people. When to prune hydrangeas after they bloom?
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that bloom every spring, and the flowers are spherical in shape and come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. The flowering period is generally between May and August, and after the flowering period ends, the hydrangeas enter a dormant period. During the dormant period, hydrangeas grow at a slower rate and the plants need adequate rest to store nutrients. Therefore, we do not need to prune hydrangeas immediately after they have bloomed, but wait until they enter the dormant period.
The pruning of hydrangeas is mainly divided into two stages: one is spring pruning and the other is summer pruning. Spring pruning is mainly to adjust the structure of the plant and promote the growth of new branches; Summer pruning is used to control the height of the plants and prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.
1.Spring pruning
Spring is a critical time for hydrangea growth, when plants need plenty of sunlight and nutrients to support the growth of new shoots. Therefore, when pruning in spring, we should try to keep some healthy old branches to provide nutrients for new branches. Here's how:
1) Prune off the branches that are not conducive to plant growth, such as diseased branches, cross branches, and inward branches;
2) For excessively long branches, they can be appropriately retracted to improve the overall aesthetics of the plant;
3) For the new branches, appropriate stubbing can be carried out to promote their branching and increase the sense of hierarchy of plant type.
2.Summer pruning
Summer is the dormant period after the end of the hydrangea flowering period, when the growth rate of the plant is slower, and the purpose of pruning is to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases and maintain the health of the plant. Here's how:
1) Pruning pest and disease branches: If pest and disease branches are found, they should be cut off in time to prevent the spread of pests and diseases;
2) Control the height of the plant: In order to maintain the aesthetics of the hydrangea, the plant can be properly pruned to control its height;
3) Remove dead leaves: high temperature and humidity in summer can easily cause pests and diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to remove dead leaves, fallen flowers, etc. in time to keep the surroundings of the plant clean.
When to prune hydrangeas after flowering depends on the growth condition and season of the plant. Generally speaking, we can do spring pruning in late spring and early summer to adjust the plant structure; Summer pruning is carried out during the summer dormant period to control plant height and prevent pests and diseases. Hydrangeas