Hey there! For quite a while, I’ve been lucky to have a Summer Crush hydrangea thriving in my garden. Today, I’m excited to share with you my method for pruning it.
When to prune?
The ideal moment to trim your Summer Crush hydrangea is right after it blooms. This timing ensures that the branches left behind can develop flower buds, promising blooms on both new and old wood for the following year.
Pruning in fall or spring means you’ll see flowers only on the new growth since Summer Crush hydrangeas are known to bloom on last year’s wood as well as this year’s.
When it comes to removing dead branches, feel free to do this at any point throughout the year. Just be careful not to harm the living branches, the overall shape of the plant, or its future blooms.
Also, it’s wise to prune during dry weather. This helps the cuts heal faster, reducing the risk of disease from fungi or bacteria that thrive in moist conditions.
How to prune?
The way you prune your Summer Crush hydrangea really depends on your goal. If you’re aiming to make it smaller, trim it down to no more than half its current height.
For dead branches, snip them off right at the base, near where they emerge from the rootstock or crown. It’s crucial to avoid harming the crown because any damage there could lead to rot.
I’ll dive into other pruning techniques in the next few sections.
Should I deadhead Summer Crush Hydrangea?
It’s a good idea to deadhead your Summer Crush hydrangea annually. Doing so helps the plant channel its energy into producing a lush bloom the following year. Once the flowers fade and the plant starts focusing on seed production, snipping off the spent flower heads conserves a lot of energy for it.
However, deadheading isn’t a must-do for everyone. Some gardeners prefer to leave the dried flowers on the plant through autumn and even into winter, and this doesn’t harm the plant at all. It’ll still flower beautifully the next year.
Should you choose to deadhead your Summer Crush, make your cuts right where the flower stem meets the branch, or just an inch below that point. Be careful not to harm the buds lower down on the branch.
Does Summer Crush need to be trimmed for the winter?
Your Summer Crush hydrangea doesn’t really need a winter trim, as it’s quite frost-resistant. Plus, its stems are strong enough to hold up under heavy snow.
However, if you’re in zones 5-6, where winters can be a bit harsher, it might be a good idea to give your hydrangea some extra protection. Wrapping it with a protective material or piling on some mulch can help it through the colder months.
But, if you prefer to prune it during winter, go ahead. It won’t harm the plant. Just remember that it will then bloom only on new growth next season, not from the old wood. The key is to prune in early to mid-autumn, giving the plant enough time to heal before the winter sets in.
Read also: Summer Crush Hydrangea Growing Guide
Can I cut my Summer Crush to the ground?
Trimming your Summer Crush Hydrangeas right down to the ground is perfectly fine and a common practice for rejuvenating the plant or shielding it from severe frost. Yet, doing so means you’ll miss out on the blooms that would have emerged on the previous year’s branches.
When you’re cutting it back, be mindful to avoid harming the crown. Ideally, you should leave a small length of the branch, about 1-2 inches, above the point where it springs from the rootstock.
Overall, remember that cutting your hydrangeas down to the ground isn’t necessary for this particular variety.
Tools and Aftercare
Always prune with sharp and clean tools to prevent infecting the plant and to minimize damage.
Opt for high-quality pruning shears and tackle each stem individually. Steer clear of electric hedge trimmers as they can cause significant harm to your hydrangea.
Following a trim, it’s wise to apply a fungicide spray to the shrub to block any potential pathogens. Also, avoid watering the hydrangea for a few days post-pruning to further reduce the disease risk.
Share This Post
How far do I cut the branch when cutting the spent flowers off?
Hello! Cut back no lower than an inch from the inflorescence.