Each plant has its own cultivation techniques, sticking to which you can count on their vigorous growth.
You don’t have to trim Summer Crush Hydrangea as it is a compact plant and doesn’t take up much space in the garden. But if you want to prune it, you can do it without any harm to the plant.
So here is how and when to trim Summer Crush Hydrangea. I will also tell you what kinds of trimming are available and what to do after the plant is cut. Also, if you need more information about Summer Crush be sure to check out this guide.
When to prune?
The best time to prune Summer Crush is immediately after flowering. That way you will get flower buds on the remaining branches and next year you will get flowering on the new and old wood.
If you cut it back in the autumn or spring you will only get flowering on the young branches, as Summer Crush blooms on both the new and old wood.
If we are talking about removing dead branches, it can be done any time of year. The main thing is that you do not damage live branches, the crown, and flower buds.
It is better to choose dry weather for pruning so that the wounds dry quickly after pruning. Rainy weather will make wounds more susceptible to fungal or bacterial diseases.
How to prune?
Depending on what you want to get, the pruning process will be different. If you want to reduce the size of Summer Crush, cut it to no more than half of its height. Try to cut above the flower buds to get at least some blooms on the old branches next year.
When removing dead branches, cut at ground level. To be precise, cut where the branch comes out of the rhizome (crown). Be careful not to damage the crown as it can begin to rot where it is damaged.
I will explain other types of pruning in the following chapters.
Should I deadhead Summer Crush Hydrangea?
You have to deadhead Summer Crush every year. This will give the plant the strength to bloom abundantly next year. After the flowers have wilted, the plant begins to produce seeds. Remove the flower heads and save lots of energy for it.
But deadheading is not a strict requirement. Many gardeners leave the inflorescences for the fall or even the winter. Nothing bad happens to the plant, it blooms next year as usual but with slightly fewer flowers.
If you decide to deadhead Summer Crush, cut back where the inflorescence is attached to the branch or an inch below. Try not to damage the buds that are placed lower on the branch.
Does Summer Crush need to be trimmed for the winter?
Summer Crush does not need to be trimmed for the winter. This is because it can withstand quite a bit of frost. In addition, the stems of this hydrangea are sturdy and can withstand heavy snowfall.
In zones 5-6 this hydrangea can feel a little uncomfortable in winter. In this case, it will be better to cover it for the winter. This can be done with a covering material or mulch.
But if you decide to cut it back in winter you can. There will be no harm to the plant. Except for that next year, it will flower only on the new wood, not on the old wood. The main thing is to cut the hydrangea in the first half of autumn so that the wounds have time to heal before winter.
Can I cut my Summer Crush to the ground?
You can cut Summer Crush Hydrangeas to the ground and this is normal. Many people do this to renew the plant or to protect it from a hard frost. However, in this case, you will lose some of the flowers that should have bloomed on last year’s branches.
Be careful not to damage the crown when cutting it to the ground. It is best if you cut a branch 1-2 inches above where it emerges from the rhizome.
But in general, cutting to the ground is not a requirement for this variety.
Tools and aftercare
Use only sharp and sterile tools when pruning. This is to avoid infection of the plant and to prevent unnecessary injury.
It is best if you use good-quality pruning shears. Trim each stem separately. Avoid using electric hedge trimmers because they severely injure the hydrangea.
After pruning, it is good practice to spray the shrub with fungicide. This will prevent pathogens from getting inside the plant. For the same reason, do not water the hydrangea for a few days after you have trimmed it.