What Is Best Time To Trim Hydrangeas

Question From: E. Naszradi - Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Q: While reading your column on transplanting hydrangeas, I thought it would be a good time to ask you a question. As you indicated the hydrangeas this year are beautiful and very healthy so much so that they have grown to block my sidewalk. My question is, when is a good time to trim the plants and what would the best way be to trim them?

A: Depends on the variety. You can cut back hydrangeas as much as you like now. That said, mop heads, that bloom red, pink or blue begin to set flower buds in August. The same is true for Oakleaf. So these should be trimmed or pruned after the flowers fade. Others can be pruned now or in spring. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.