When to Prune Hydrangeas in Australia

Pruning hydrangeas at the right time makes the difference between strong blooms next season and cutting off flower buds too early. Timing depends on the variety, local climate, and whether your plant flowers on old or new wood.

Old wood bloomers (e.g. Hydrangea macrophylla – mophead & lacecap): Prune straight after flowering in summer, before new buds form.
New wood bloomers (e.g. Hydrangea paniculata & arborescens): Prune in late winter to early spring before growth begins.
Evergreen hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia, oakleaf): Require only light trimming of spent flowers and dead wood.

In Australia’s climate, hydrangeas typically bloom from November through February. This means pruning is best done either immediately after flowering for old wood types or just before growth resumes in spring for new wood types.

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Seasonal Pruning Schedule

Use this seasonal guide to avoid cutting off future flowers:

Summer (post-flowering): Trim old flower heads and shape Hydrangea macrophylla. Remove dead or crossing stems.
Late Winter (August–September): Cut back Hydrangea paniculata and arborescens to about one-third of their height. This stimulates strong new wood for large summer flowers.
Autumn: Avoid heavy pruning. Only remove damaged or diseased growth to prepare for winter.
Spring (September–October): Light tidy-up for mopheads if needed. For climbing hydrangeas, prune side shoots after flowering.

Regional note: In warmer states like Queensland, plants flower earlier and pruning may need to be done sooner. In cooler states like Victoria and Tasmania, pruning can be delayed by 3–4 weeks.

Step-by-Step Pruning Tips

Use clean, sharp secateurs to prevent disease.
Cut stems just above a healthy pair of buds.
Remove one-third of the oldest stems at ground level every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants tidy and reduce disease risk.

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Pruning Mistakes to Avoid & FAQ

Don’t prune too late: Cutting mopheads in winter removes flower buds for the next season.
Don’t cut too hard every year: Hydrangeas need a balance of old and new wood for best flowering.
Don’t neglect aftercare: Always water and apply fertiliser after pruning to support recovery.

FAQ

Q: Should I cut hydrangeas right to the ground?
A: No. Only paniculata and arborescens varieties can be cut back hard. Mopheads and lacecaps should never be pruned to ground level.
Q: Can I prune hydrangeas in autumn?
A: Avoid heavy pruning in autumn—plants are storing energy for winter. Stick to removing dead wood only.
Q: How do I know if my hydrangea flowers on old or new wood?
A: Mopheads and lacecaps (common in Australia) flower on old wood. Paniculata and arborescens flower on new wood.
Q: What should I do after pruning?
A: Apply a balanced fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 to encourage strong regrowth and healthy buds for next season.

Final Recommendation: Prune according to hydrangea type and season, then support recovery with CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20. This combination ensures strong stems, vibrant foliage, and reliable flowering year after year.