Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Prune hydrangeas based on variety. Hydrangeas bloom and set their flowers at different times, so pruning at the wrong time can damage the next year's bloom. Determine whether you have mophead, lacecap, oakleaf, panniculata or arborescens hydrangeas. Prune only the latter two types heavily in fall; the first group of flowers set their beds in fall and won't bloom the next spring if you cut those buds off.
2

Cut away any dead or broken branches on all hydrangeas in fall, after the last bloom. These branches no longer produce, but sap the plant's energy. Cut the branch back to its base, where it joins with healthy wood or where it sprouts from the ground.
3

Neaten panniculata or arborescens hydrangeas with more severe pruning in the fall. Cut away one-third of the old growth or branches that are more than 3 years old. Cut these branches off at the ground. Cut away any wasted flowers or dying or diseased leaves.
4

Cut the plant down starting from the top of each cane. Cut just above the first or second sets of buds. Since this is a cane-specific process, it won't result in a uniform cane length on the plant. If you prefer uniformity to flower production, prune all canes to the same length.