Hard prune hydrangea macrophylla

Loxley · May 2023

Hi guys, is it too late to hard prune hydrangea macrophylla? I'm aware this will lose the flowers this year but my mum's hydrangea bushes are in a poor state and could do with full rejuvenation I think.

Fairygirl · May 2023

I'd just do it if they were mine. There's various ways of doing it, so just use the one that suits you best

Lyn · May 2023

Every 3 years or so I cut mine back completely to about 12” from the ground, or less if needed, you won’t get flowers for this year but next year they’ll be beautiful.
even not having flowers, the green is thick and lush, I’d rather do that than take out some do the growth as some people do.
Its up to you though, depends on how bad it’s got.

Plantminded · May 2023

I'd hard prune them now too. If they're in a bad state now, they're not going to look much better when flowering! As @Lyn says, when rejuvenated with a hard prune the new green leaves are thick and lush. I did this last year to an old plant in my garden. It's got a much better shape now and is already forming flowers.

Loxley · May 2023

Thanks, will take the bull by the horns. I guess there's still enough time for regrowth this year.

Hard prune hydrangea macrophylla

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