How do I prune my Hydrangeas and when is the best time of year to do it?

Q. How do I prune my Hydrangeas and when is the best time of year to do it?

A. Hydrangea pruning is a complicated matter! It depends…
If you have the new hybrid reblooming Hydrangeas, you may cut them back in fall to the size and shape you desire. Examples:

H.let'sdance.starlight — H. Let’s Dance Starlight

Hydrangeas that bloom later in summer and bloom only on new growth:

May be cut back now as well.
You may choose to cut back the above types in fall or in the spring.

H.grandiflora.paniculata — H. Grandiflora Paniculata PeeGee

H.paniculata.tardiva — H. Paniculata Tardiva

hydrangea.aborescens.Annabelle — H. Aborescens Annabelle

Older Hydrangea species that that bloom only on last year’s buds:

Leave as many tips as possible only cutting back dead, weak, twisted, low lying branches and clean up further in the spring.

H.macrophylla.nikkoblue — H. Macrophylia Nikko Blue

H. serrata Bluebird — H. Serrata Bluebird

All hydrangeas:

If the brown heads bother you, cut the tips off and if they are mushy, cut them as soon as possible.
When in doubt use the Older Hydrangea pruning method.