Pruning panicle hydrangea
Advice for October in the Netherlands
Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) flowers on new wood. This advice is specific to this species; check the plant label if you are unsure.
Panicle hydrangea — October
Wait a little longer
The panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) flowers on new wood and is pruned in February or March. Pruning outside that window costs flowers or leaves the plant needlessly vulnerable. Leave the faded panicles in place for now.
Pay attention to this
- Biggest mistake: treating this hydrangea as if it flowers on old wood.
- First check which hydrangea you really have; the species look alike.
- Always allow for frost and for differences between species and positions: postpone pruning during prolonged frost or when night frost is forecast.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I prune panicle hydrangea?
- The usual window is February or March, before new growth. Postpone during hard frost.
- Does it need hard pruning every year?
- No. Match pruning to the desired shape and height. At the spring prune, shorten last year's shoots to healthy buds on the branch framework.
- Is this the same as bigleaf hydrangea?
- No. Panicle hydrangea flowers on new wood. Bigleaf hydrangea usually flowers on old wood and needs a different approach.