Pruning snowball hydrangea is easy with the right knowledge. Our instructions will tell you when the right time is and what is important.

In a nutshell

  • Measure should be carried out annually
  • clean cutting tool is important
  • Radical pruning and maintenance pruning are required
  • right timing is crucial
  • Cutting ensures strong and dense growth

time

When you should prune your snowball hydrangea depends on the type and extent of the measure. Removing individual shoots is possible and necessary at any time if:

  • there is a pest infestation
  • diseases spread
  • Shoots are broken or withered

This is a so-called care cut. It serves to prevent further spread of parasites and germs. The situation is different with a so-called radical blend. Perform the pruning in February, before the first sprouting occurs. This encourages the plant to branch more densely and grow more luxuriantly.

Notice: The measure should always be carried out on a dry, frost-free and overcast day. The cut surfaces close faster and do not burn.

Utils

In any case, you need the right cutting tool to cut snowball hydrangea. To do this, the following criteria must be met:

  • sufficient cutting power
  • clean blades
  • sharp cutting surfaces

Ideally, disinfect the cutting tool before and after use. This prevents germs or pests from being transmitted. Regular sharpening of the blades ensures smooth cutting surfaces. These dry faster and therefore also have a lower risk of infection.
Particularly suitable for use in radical cuts:

  • hedge trimmers
  • rose shears
  • strong secateurs

Notice: in the case of parts of the plant affected by diseases or parasites, simple scissors may be sufficient.

Instructions for radical cut

Before budding in spring, pruning is one of the most important measures every year. In most regions it should take place in February. After very warm winters, the ideal time can also be as early as January.
Proceed as follows:

Clean the cutting tool: Disinfecting with an appropriate agent is optimal. Hot water can also be used.

Specify remaining length: For a radical trim, the Fastball Hydrangea can be trimmed just above the ground. About 15 centimeters should remain.

find eyes: At least one pair of eyes should remain on each individual shoot. This ensures a densely branched growth.

Eyes are a type of bud that can produce leaves, flowers, or new shoots. They appear as thickenings on the old shoots.

Tip: Cut off each shoot individually. As a result, the result is more precise and the effort is less.

Procedure for care cuts

The maintenance cut only removes parts of plants that fall into the following categories:

  • snapped off
  • sick
  • dried up
  • withered
  • infested with parasites

Again, make sure you have clean cutting tools and cut directly into healthy wood. After each cut, the scissors must be cleaned. Otherwise you only carry germs, eggs or larvae to the next shoot. To keep the damage to a minimum, you should check the plant once a week. Also look at the undersides of the leaves and the individual stems.

follow-up care

Due to the blending, the plant initially loses its strength. For this reason, appropriate care afterwards is crucial. Therefore, fertilize in March or April with one of the following:

  • ready-made hydrangea fertilizer
  • cattle manure pellets
  • cattle manure

Foliage can also be incorporated. It is important that the nutrients are not given too late. Otherwise the plant cannot adjust to the hibernation and there is even a risk that the flowering will fail in the following year.

frequently asked Questions

Does the hydrangea have to be pruned?

The measure is not mandatory, but has many advantages. Among them, for example, that the size and appearance of the plant can be controlled. In addition, the risk of infestation with pests and pathogens decreases and growth improves.

Is pruning required every year?

Yes, because snowball hydrangeas only develop their flowers in the year of flowering and exclusively on the new shoots. Other branches would therefore be in the way and would spoil the optics.

Why should a frost-free day be chosen for the measure?

Because the cut surfaces should first close and dry off. Otherwise, they are vulnerable to frost damage.

Category:

Garden plants