How to prune hydrangeas in the fall: diagrams and step-by-step instructions

Why you need to prune hydrangeas

Pruning begins when the bush reaches the age of 2-3 years and strong shoots appear on it, suitable for formation. Sanitary or shaping pruning affects the future growth and flowering of the plant. If not properly cared for and allowed to grow in dense young shoots, flowering will become more scarce. Removing old inflorescences in autumn prevents snow from accumulating on them and breaking off branches.

The procedure should be carried out as late as possible, when the leaves crumble and the plant begins to dormant. Without foliage, you can clearly see what needs to be removed. At the same time, there is no risk of starting work during the period of juice movement, as it may be in the spring.

Pruning goals:

• the formation of a beautiful bush shape;
• giving the plant a well-groomed, decorative look;
• improvement of the bush;
• increasing the size of flowers;
• the creation of a special shape of the bush, the formation of a trunk.

Pruning terms by region

There is no uniform pruning period for hydrangeas before winterization for all regions, as not all regions have the same climate. In order not to harm the plant, you need to carry out the procedure in accordance with the conditions dictated by the weather in a particular area.

In the suburbs and central Russia

The middle belt and, in particular, the Moscow region are located in the temperate zone. It is warm in summer and moderate frosts and a lot of snow in winter. In November, the temperature drops below zero, snow falls. This is the optimal time to prune your hydrangea. In general, work can be carried out in late October - early November.

In the Urals and Siberia

In this region, winters are harsh and summers are short. Therefore, the branches are cut only by 1/3, otherwise in the summer they will not have time to properly grow and bloom. The optimal type of hydrangea for this area is paniculate and tree-like. In the Urals, pruning of branches is carried out in mid-October, and in Siberia - at the end of September, before the plant is sheltered for the winter.

In the Leningrad region

The local climate differs from the characteristics of the middle zone. Summer does not last long and does not pamper with heat, autumn comes early. Pruning should be done superficially. This will allow the annual shoots to grow and give color. Pruning work begins after the leaves fall in the first half of October.

Video "How to prune a hydrangea"

In this video, experts tell how the pruning of ornamental shrubs is carried out.

Recommendations for pruning hydrangeas of different ages

The features of pruning differ depending on the purpose of the pruning.How and to what length the branches will be cut affects the growth, flowering and health of the bush.

For the formation of the crown of young plants

In the first 2-3 years after planting a hydrangea, you need to make an effort to form a crown. It is important to take into account the characteristics of the type of plant:

1. Large-leaved. Cut off old inflorescences, do not touch the shoots.
2. Paniculata. Can get the shape of a tree. To do this, remove zero branches from the roots and shoots directed inward. 1-2 buds are removed from strong branches. To form a bush, the plant is buried to form new shoots.
3. Tree-like. In the first year, only dry, damaged branches are removed. In the next season, when pruning, 3-4 buds should remain on the branches. From the second year, the formation of the skeleton of the plant begins.

To stimulate powerful flowering

Sometimes strong plants cease to please with large flowers. This problem is eliminated by trimming:

1. Cut off last year's branches, keeping no more than 3 buds each. New lush shoots will grow on them.
2. Remove dry, frozen branches.
3. Remove extra branches from the bush, which make it thick and create shade.
4. Cut out old shoots from the root.

For rejuvenating old or diseased plants

If the bush has suffered from a disease or is severely frozen, or it is old and does not give beautiful flowers, health and youth can be restored to it. For this, radical pruning to the stump is applied. Old, thick, large processes are cut off with a hacksaw. The cuts are processed with garden pitch. Young shoots are preserved.

The disadvantage of this method is the likely absence of flowers for one season. At this time, the plant will form a new crown from young healthy branches and gain strength.

Schemes and step-by-step instructions for pruning hydrangeas

There are three main types of shrubs. Each of them needs a special care approach. It is impossible to prune the paniculate species based on the recommendations made for the tree hydrangea.

Paniculata

It is convenient to form small trees from this type of plant. But creating one stem is dangerous - it can break. Usually in the autumn, only old inflorescences are removed from the paniculate plant. The rest of the pruning can be done either in the fall or in the spring. To bloom next year, you need to save 3-4 buds. The pruning procedure includes the following tasks:

1. Remove dry, broken branches.
2. Cut out old branches that have stopped blooming.
3. Shorten strong shoots to give growth and color.
4. Cut off excess branches that create shadow and hinder the development of the bush.

Tree-like

For the first 3-4 years, this type of hydrangea cannot be cut off, otherwise the plant may die. Only the removal of old inflorescences is allowed. Upon reaching the desired age, rejuvenating pruning is carried out in several stages, stretching the work for 2-3 years. Usually in the fall, only inflorescences are cut from the bush, and the branches are pruned in the spring.

Large-leaved

Features of autumn pruning:

1. Remove biennial branches with faded flowers.
2. A cut of a two-year-old branch is carried out near a young branch that has not bloomed yet, extending from it.
3. Leave flowering shoots intact.

Hydrangea care after pruning

If the autumn is rainy, then watering is not needed. Otherwise, moderate watering is carried out until the temperature drops to zero. The last feeding of the year is carried out in mid-September using phosphorus-potassium preparations. This will give the plant strength after a long summer flowering.

After removing excess branches in the autumn, the bush is prepared for winter. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Tear off any remaining leaves from the bush.
2. Form a ground shelter from the spruce branches around the plant.
3. Tilt the branches of the bush to the ground and fix them so with the help of wire fixtures. You can cover the bent branches with a wooden box.
4. Sprinkle peat on top, cover with spruce branches. Particular attention is paid to the apical buds.
5. From above, the structure is covered with agrotechnical cloth and film, and its edges are pressed down with stones.

Hydrangea pruning must be done. Even beginners in gardening can do it. The simple process of cleaning the bush from old branches will ensure the annual flowering of the plant, allowing it to remain young and strong. The main thing is to follow the rules and not cut more than what is allowed.