Can I cut hydrangeas to the ground?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Trimming hydrangeas down to the ground is limited solely to smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens). These robust plants will start fresh, growing from their root systems each spring. A few years ago, I helped a client tame some overgrown 'Annabelle' hydrangeas. We cut the plants off at 6 inches from the ground level and, to my surprise, they came back that summer in full bloom. Other types of hydrangeas may require more restraint.
Bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas develop next year's buds upon the previous year's wood. If you prune them to the ground, you are removing next year's bloom buds and are unlikely to see blooms the next year, and possibly not for 2 years. My neighbor found this out the hard way after she took her shears to her mophead hydrangea and waited for two years for them to recover. Always know your hydrangea type first!
Harsh Pruning Outcomes
- Smooth hydrangeas: 90% regrowth within 4 months
- Bigleaf varieties: 2-year bloom loss
- Increased disease risk in stressed plants
Safe Alternatives
- Remove 25% of oldest stems annually
- Use renewal pruning over 3 years
- Target deadwood without harming live buds
If you have unintentionally pruned a non-smooth hydrangea too aggressively, then when spring arrives you will want to apply a balanced fertilizer. Water each week, thoroughly and deeply once per week, and use mulch to help retain moisture. I took care of a painfully butchered oakleaf hydrangea for a prior client using fish emulsion and burlap to offer some winter protection to it. In the second year, we had a modest bloom. Recovery of a hydrangea takes time and patience.
Read the full article: When to Prune Hydrangeas: A Step-by-Step Guide
