Hydrangeas

I know we are discouraged from pruning Hydrangeas but if the stems become leggy after a few years, when could I cut back without losing next year's flowers?
Thank you.
Sue.

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When to prune

Reply from Laura Thomas

Hi Sue

Glad you asked this question as I was wondering the same. Made me do some research and the answer seems to be-

Lacecaps & Mopheads (such as H Preziosa) - keep the flowerheads on throughout winter for protection & architectural interest/winter
Prune back in March/April to two leaf buds below flower & remove any thin straggly branches altogether. You could hard prune up to half the branches down to first one or two shoots at base one year and do the same with the other half the following year. You will lose some flower for a couple of years but this should 'bush' the plant up. Bigger flowers may also result

Laura

p.s. now is still a good time to take hydrangea cuttings and get fresh new plants! Here's all about cuttings & pruning hydrangeas from Burncoose

hydrangeas

Reply from Sue Collison

Thanks Laura. That's been very helpful.
Sue.