From Homesandgardens · · 1m 10s
Why Hydrangeas Need No October Pruning
Hydrangeas shouldn't be pruned in October to protect next year's blooms and wildlife.
In brief
Hydrangeas shouldn't be pruned in October to protect next year's blooms and wildlife. Hydrangeas should not be pruned in October to avoid removing next year's flower buds and support wildlife. Originally reported by Homesandgardens.
Why Avoid Pruning Hydrangeas In October
Hydrangeas shouldn't be pruned in October to protect next year's blooms and wildlife.
“Hydrangeas, mountain hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and some other types commonly produce flowers on old wood.”
Identify Your Hydrangea Type
Bigleaf hydrangeas, mountain hydrangeas, and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood and should be pruned in late summer.
“‘Nikko Blue’ Bigleaf Hydrangea and Gatsby Moon® Oakleaf Hydrangea bloom on old wood and should be pruned in late summer.”
Frost Protection Risk
Cut stems stimulate new growth that can't survive frost, leading to disease and long-term damage.
“Any cut stem will stimulate fresh new growth and this will prove too tender to survive a frost, leading to potential disease setting in and long term damage.”
New Wood Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas like 'Annabelle' bloom on new wood and should not be pruned in October.
“Panicle and smooth hydrangeas flower on new wood, so pruning does not remove the following year’s flower buds in the same way.”
Wildlife Benefits
Leaving hydrangea flowerheads intact provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
“The flowers of Tuff Stuff TopFun™ mountain hydrangea attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects during summer, while its seeds attract songbirds in late fall.”
Only Prune Dead Growth
The only reason to prune hydrangeas in October is deadheading or removing diseased growth.
“If gardeners simply dislike the appearance of old flowers, deadheading is different from pruning.”
Check For Flower Buds
Look for swollen stem ends to identify flower buds before pruning.
“You can actually see and notice the flower buds forming which is one of the only ways to recognize the difference and save your spring flowers from their pruning demise.”
Wildlife and Winter Care
Add mulch to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and support overwintering insects.
“Adding a layer of mulch, such as Hyponex Wood Chips from Walmart, around the base of each hydrangea will not only suppress weeds and retain moisture, but increase overwintering options for hibernating insects too.”
The short version
Hydrangeas should not be pruned in October to avoid removing next year's flower buds and support wildlife.