Proper PG Hydrangea Pruning For Bloom and Vigor

How and when to properly prune a big, tree hydrangea to help it grow healthfully for many years.

[@nima16042]

Wow that one looks perfectly formed!!

[@PointOWoodsgal]

Very nice! I appreciate seeing a video that finally just gets right to the point. I have 3 new Grandfloras that are only 24" tall now so they are easy to look after, but when you talked about pruning to a manageable height it made perfect sense. I'm 5' 4" and would probably let them grow to a height that would be difficult to maintain had I not watched your video. Thank you for making it!

[@377499]

Glad you found it helpful. As I look at that plant today I think it has never had such wonderful, big blooms.

[@christpebbles]

Thanks!

[@thatgreenthing]

You bet!

[@corawang310]

Thanks for the PG hydrangea pruning video. It's definitely helpful. How long does it take for a PG growing this size? And where can I purchase one like this?

[@thatgreenthing]

This plant is about 20 years old now. Any PG Hydrangea variety can be found at a well stocked garden nursery.

[@cathywallace6990]

Have a PG in bush form always wanted to try and cut it in tree form

[@thatgreenthing]

You can experiment. They are very accomodating!

[@truthofthematter9409]

Oh what I wouldn't give for those dried flower heads!

[@377499]

I always have a vase of them somewhere in the house!

[@truthofthematter9409]

@@377499 I hope someday mine are that large and I do too. I did get 3 wreaths and a bouquet this year. They all flopped during a week and a half long rain(new hydrangeas). The color of the dried hydrangeas on the tree are gorgeous!

[@tomsmith2013]

Can this variety be planted in a very large planter? 24" width x 24" length x 36" height? Please help! :)

[@thatgreenthing]

That is a good sized planter. Give it proper winter protection with regard to moisture, proper soil mix, temperatures and airflow. May have to do root and top pruning rather aggressively as this does want to become large. Not sure if P. G. Hydrangeas tolerate root disturbance on occasion. Treat it as you would a bonsai.

[@tomsmith2013]

@@thatgreenthing THANK YOU!!! Do you happen to know which variety of PeeGee grows the tallest? I'm putting six of these planters along my driveway. Was hoping to find one that is at least 15' tall. Thanks again!!!! Great video!

[@thatgreenthing]

@@tomsmith2013 just look for the straight species, Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. The numerous varieties and cultivars all have particular differences. I like the lacecap ones with the loose panicles.

[@tomsmith2013]

@@thatgreenthing You have been wonderfully helpful. Thank you! Next time you are in Rochester, NY shoot me a note and I'll buy lunch! Have a terrific summer 2021 my friend!

[@seriejohnson698]

How old is that hydrangea?

[@thatgreenthing]

I planted it about 20 years ago. It may have been a 3 yr. plant at the time.

[@seriejohnson698]

@@thatgreenthing Only 3 years old and already 7 feet high, wow. Do you fertilize or just let it do what it does naturally? I am trying to get some tips as I purchased 5 varieties of a panicle hydrangeas in the past 2 years. They are the Limelight, Quick Fire, Quick Fire Fab, Bobo and the Pinky Winky. The Limelight, Quick Fire and the Bobo can get that dreaded flopping when we get a good rain. I was wondering how much longer for sturdier stems. I am thinking about giving the Quick Fire Fab away as I feel the blooms get so large and will always flop. I also love your style of pruning, the mushroom shape. I will definitely be using that technique when trimming my Limelight hydrangeas.

[@thatgreenthing]

@seriejohnson698 Oh, sorry. I meant to say that Limelight was 3 yrs. at the time of purchase, making the one you see about 20 yrs., now. I do not fertilize them. It would depend on the environment into which you plant them. I love the new varieties with "fire" in the description. I cut back the PG varieties hard in the Fall to help build strong stems to withstand drooping.

[@vairiskrumins9925]

How old is this hd?

[@377499]

About 20 yrs, sir.

[@thatgreenthing]

About 20 yrs., sir.