Join N.C. Cooperative Extension, Carteret County Center; horticulture agent, Shawn Banks, in this episode of Extension Gardener on the Crystal Coast, as he shows how to prune back an overgrown hydrangea.

This pruning demonstration was done in April, which is not the best time to prune hydrangea; however, this particular plant has some dead wood as well as some very leggy stems with sparse growth on them. Hydrangea species that bloom in early spring should be cut back just after they finish flowering in May or June. Those that bloom in the summer should be pruned while they are dormant in December through February.

Dead wood can be removed at any time of the year. With this pruning, the plant is now more compact and next year it will be loaded with flowers. Happy Gardening!