Hydrangea - How to prune?

I just purchased a brand new mobile home at Christmas which I had moved to a new lot. The lot has a few trees and shrubs which I'll need to have identified later. For now though, I'd like help with the (mop-head) hydrangea which is situated just outside my side door (faces east). There hasn't been anyone living here for a long time so the garden is rather unkempt. I think this hydrangea was planted several years ago. It has a lot of old and new wood, it still has plenty of dead mop heads. So, my question is...how do I prune it and when? I can see several new reddish stems with buds and so it's easy to pick out the dead stems. I have never pruned anything in my life so I need help on how to prune my hydrangea properly. Thanks everyone for all your help. ~ Lily

 

If you don't need it smaller just prune out some of the dead parts to make it look better.

 

Hi Ron, thanks very much for your reply. Okay I will cut out the dead branches. Although, I think my biggest concern is not knowing 'how' to prune. Where on the branch do I cut? I wish I could find some pics on the internet that would show me how to prune it properly. I'm afraid to cut the branches in case I really mess up. Everytime I pick up the shears, I panic and put them right back down again. LOL. Thanks again. ~ Lily

 

Live branches will grow back from any point they are cut. If you want it smaller as well you could just the whole thing down low and start it over.

 

try hitting chapters and flipping through a copy of Chris Brickell's pruning book. Timber press also has a good selection of 'how to' books on pruning. Dont be afraid to go to Cannor nursery and ask some questions either, they are a large retail nursery located near the Sumas exit from highway #1.

 

Hi Jimmy,
I often go to Cannor Nursery in the spring. So thanks for reminding me again. Yes, I have found that the staff is very helpful. I'll also see if I can get a copy of Chris Brickell's book. Does the book have photos showing where to cut when pruning? Thanks again Jimmy!

 

the book is one of a few that I recommend regularly, lots of pictures and presented in a manner for beginner to well experienced. I think its about $25 to $30, a reasonable investment for any gardeners shelves.

 

Thanks Jimmy, I'm going to go and find the book for sure! I just moved into my new home and there are a few shrubs and trees around here that have been neglected for a couple of years. I want to learn how to take care of them properly so this book you recommended sounds exactly like what I need. (in addition to this UBC Gardening forum of course) LOL.

 

The important one from Timber would be The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs & Conifers by George E Brown (updated by another author).

 

Thanks Ron,
I will definitely look for that book too. With all the wonderful suggestions and ideas I've been getting, I should be a 'skilled' pruner in no time. <smiles> and thanks again Ron.

 

I pruned my hydrangea - did I do it right? ~ (pics)

Well, here's hoping I did it right and didn't kill it. I posted some pics so you folks can tell me if I did it right or wrong and what else should I do? Should I put bonemeal around it now? Thanks soooo much for helping me with this. I hope I didn't get too scissor happy.

Here's my pics attached. I look forward to your feedback. Thanks again.

Lily

 

Trust me, you didn't kill it. Looks like you will have some flowers this year, too. To enhance future results try top-dressing or mulching around it.

 

Ron, thanks very much for giving me back some confidence. Now I can breathe a bit better. LOL. I was pretty scared cutting away at it. I tried to follow all the instructions I was given. I hope I get better at this as I have a few more trees/shrubs to go. I will rake around it real good and add some mulch as you suggested. What kind of mulch should I buy please? and should I give it bonemeal too? Thanks Ron!!
ps. How can you tell that I might get some flowers?
Lily

 

I also have doubts about pruning my mop-head hydrangea. I have left the mop heads on so far because they are very decorative. I have read, however, that you should prune it right after bloom. That's kind of a hard thing for me to understand, because it bloomed all summer, and the flowers are still hanging on (although brown and dried up). So when exactly would that be? Also, since the flowers hang on so long, I really don't want to cut them all off. Is it okay to cut the flowers off in the next couple of months or so, before Spring? It is an Endless Summer hydrangea, and I've read it blooms on old and new wood. So if I trim a leggy bit back will I still have flowers?

 

Yes.