Should Spent Hydrangea Blooms Be Pruned To Ensure Further Blooming

Question From: L. Perry - West Branch, Michigan, United States
Q: My hydrangeas were beautiful this summer after several years of not blooming, but right now the blooms look rather spent. How to I trim them and when do I prune the bush for next year to insure more beautiful flowers.

A: You don't identify the specie and pruning varies. I suggest you simply remove the flower clusters at their base. Hydrangeas do not need pruning to bloom so unless you want to reduce them in size, remove the spent blooms and leave them be. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy