Garden owners with hydrangeas have been urged to do a crucial job in January. The flowering shrubs, which are native to Asia and the Americas, are beloved for their stunning bright hue, normally with shades of pink, blue, white, and sometimes even green.
With the depths of winter upon us, many gardeners will be dreading going to out to tend to their plot. But it’s a great time to get trees and shrubs that are now dormant prepared for when the warmer weather turns, so they can flourish. Gardening Know How included a couple of types of hydrangeas among their list of 12 plants it’s “so important” to prune in January.
Removing dead or weak stems from panicle or smooth hydrangeas, which grow on new wood, can help you superpower their growth when Spring returns.
According to the outlet, it’s best to prune pacicle ones either in winter or right at the start of Spring, and definitely before you start seeing new growth. Winter is also the best time for pruning smooth hydrangeas.
The outlet recommends removing a third to a half of the growth, which will give your shrub renewed vigour and help with new growth in the spring.
However, it’s worth noting that not all hydrangeas benefit from winter pruning, and its definitely not advised for varieties that grow on old wood as it can hamper their flowering.
It is therefore best to check before getting the shears out to prevent any mishaps.
Meanwhile, while hydrangeas have a reputation for being low maintenance, another expert has warned that neglecting some key tasks can harm their development.
Ben Hilton, founder and editor of The Gardening Fix, shared three common mistakes to watch out for including getting the soil PH right, snipping off flower buds at the wrong time of year, and underwatering them.
You can find his detailed advice for ensuring your hydrangeas maximise their potential here.
