How Do You Care For Hydrangeas In The Spring?
A staggering number of hydrangea (Hydrangeaceae) species and cultivars are available. Some are compact, others tall or even climbers. The flowers appear white, pink, purple and vivid blue as bold clustered blossoms or dainty lacy caps. In summer, the hydrangea provides beautiful greenery, and in late summer and fall it recharges the waning color in the garden with its burst of late flowers. Leave the skeletal flower head intact through the winter for a show of frosty globes. Spring brings just a few minor chores to get the hydrangea ready for another beautiful year. Prune in early spring using sharp garden shears, making a clean cut. Remove about 1/3 of the branches, cutting the older, darker canes that provided bloom the previous years. Snip off the dried flower heads at the first sight of new spring growth of buds. Pruning to control size and form can be done now. The fewer stems left, the larger the flowers will be; leaving more stems provides many medium-sized clusters of flowers.
