Hydrangeas burst into bloom in late summer, injecting life into gardens as other blooms begin to die off. With a palette that includes cool blues, vivid pinks, pure whites, rich lavenders, and zesty lime greens, there's a hydrangea to suit every taste.

Their variety makes them an essential addition for anyone seeking to add a splash of late-summer colour to their garden. Thriving in shady spots, these plants boast large, show-stopping flowers that maintain their charm for weeks, even as they fade and dry. For those looking to keep their hydrangeas in tip-top shape, gardening experts at Haskins have divulged the optimal time for pruning. 

Hydrangeas fall into two categories based on their flowering habits: those that flower on new growth and those that flower on old growth.

When to bloom hydrangeas 

New growth 

The types that flower on new growth, which develop buds on this year's stems, are low-maintenance and bloom consistently each year.

This group includes the panicle hydrangeas with their distinctive cone-shaped blossoms and the smooth hydrangeas known for their impressive 'snowball' clusters.

According to the experts, the "best time" to prune these hydrangeas is post-flowering. Gardeners should snip off dead flower heads and trim any unruly branches to maintain shape. 

Old growth 

On the other hand, the varieties that flower on old growth, sprouting from last year's stems, feature the oakleaf hydrangeas, celebrated for their stunning autumnal hues, and the big leaf hydrangeas.

Climbing hydrangeas are among those plants that flourish on old growth, with the macrophylla species being particularly prevalent.

These come in two distinct flower types: the mopheads, known for their large, spherical blooms, and the lacecaps, which boast delicate, flat-topped floral clusters.

When it comes to pruning mopheads and lacecaps, experts recommend the "best time" is post-bloom.

Garden enthusiasts can also tackle any dead wood during spring, not solely in the summertime.

The specialists warned: "A common mistake is to prune before the flowers have bloomed resulting in a lack of flowers the following year."

For oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas, minimal pruning is required. Springtime is ideal for removing lengthy stems, dead wood, and old flower heads.