Winter is the only time some garden chores can be done.
So I have broken out the secateurs and the pruning saw
and attended to one of these chores.
So I have broken out the secateurs and the pruning saw
and attended to one of these chores.
I am probably about to tell grandma how to suck eggs,
but here are my directions for pruning a hydrangea
Hydrangea flower on one year old wood.
The pruning job, therefore is to remove the stems
that flowered last year.
but here are my directions for pruning a hydrangea
Hydrangea flower on one year old wood.
The pruning job, therefore is to remove the stems
that flowered last year.
The classic 'before' photo.
Firstly, remove all the stems with spent flowers on them.
Cut these down low to the base next to a pair of buds
(choose the first or second pair of buds)
Use sharp secateurs and make diagonal cuts
Cut these down low to the base next to a pair of buds
(choose the first or second pair of buds)
Use sharp secateurs and make diagonal cuts
Then step back and have a good look at the bush.
You will probably have a number
of dead or weak stems.
You will probably have a number
of dead or weak stems.
 |
| You can clearly see the weak stems in this photo. Work through the plant again, removing these right down at the base. |
Ta da!....the 'after-photo'.
After looking at this photo,
I am going to go back out and trim the length
on some of those long canes,
just to provide a sturdier frame for the flowers
and a more even plant.
If you have an old hydrangea or one that hasn't been
pruned for a few years, a good prune of all the stems
back to the base promotes healthy growth.
You may not have flowers this summer,
but the plant will repay you for it in the long run.
Go on...think hard
and write a post about
the joys of Winter.
Leave a comment on this post
and I will put a link
to your contribution.
Everybody is welcome,
even if you haven't
participated before.
You could be just like
these bloggers...
