Hydrangeas hold onto last year's faded flowerheads for a reason — they're quietly protecting next year's buds from frost.
Hydrangeas flower on a mix of old and new wood depending on the variety, which is why pruning timing and technique varies more than for most shrubs. Leaving faded flowerheads in place over winter isn’t neglect — they physically shield next year’s buds from frost damage.
Sowing & growing calendar
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feed | Feed in March | Feed in April | ||||||||||
| Prune | Prune in March | |||||||||||
| Protect | Protect in November | Protect in December |
Care details
- Feed March – April
Apply a balanced feed as growth picks up.
- Prune In March
Cut last year’s flowered stems back to a healthy pair of buds.
- Protect November – December
Leave faded flowerheads in place — they shield next year’s buds from frost.
Growing tips & common problems
- Check which type you have before pruning; cutting the wrong kind at the wrong time removes the coming season's flowers.
- Feed as growth resumes in spring to support the size of bloom the plant is known for.
- Water deeply and regularly in dry spells — the large leaves lose moisture fast and wilt visibly when stressed.
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