Hydrangeas are beloved for their vibrant, colorful blooms and their ability to add elegance to any garden. However, as the growing season comes to an end, it’s essential to know how to care for these plants in the fall to ensure a healthy, beautiful display next spring. While there are some critical tasks you should perform to prepare your hydrangeas for winter, there’s one job that can cause significant damage if done at the wrong time.
Here’s a detailed guide on what to avoid and what you should absolutely do to give your hydrangeas the best chance to thrive.
The One Job You MUST NOT Do: Pruning in the Fall
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make with hydrangeas in the fall is pruning them. Pruning may seem like a logical step to tidy up your garden before winter, but for hydrangeas, timing is everything.
Why You Shouldn’t Prune in the Fall
Hydrangeas, especially the popular varieties like Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia), set their flower buds for the next year on old wood. These buds form during late summer or early fall, and if you prune at this time, you risk cutting off the very buds that will become next year’s flowers.
Pruning in the fall will not only remove next year’s blooms but also leave your hydrangeas more vulnerable to frost damage. It’s best to hold off on any major pruning until after the plants have bloomed in the following spring or summer.
Four Things You Really Should Do to Your Hydrangeas in Fall
While pruning is off the table, there are some essential tasks you should focus on to help your hydrangeas thrive through the colder months. These simple steps will prepare them for winter and ensure they come back strong next growing season.
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