How to prune a Mophead Hydrangea by The Gardening Tutor-Mary Frost

[@babyboo3236]

Excellent. Thank you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much babyboo. I love your handle. Thank you for taking the time to watch. -mary

[@shesyen]

This is the best video that helped me after watching SO many usless videos of people just showing off their garden your the most helpful!!! So thank you!! Sincerely.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for commenting Shesyen. Happy to help! -mary

[@suzetteccc]

This is bar none the best video for pruning Mophead Hydrangeas. I am going to watch it every year to make sure I get it right. Thank you so much.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for watching and posting Suzetteccc. Your comment made my day. Thank You! Hydrangea pruning can be so confusing in the beginning. I was confused too until I took a college pruning class and even then I needed practice and observation to really get it. So, you are not alone! I hope you'll find my other videos helpful too. -mary

[@KingaMarch]

You’re an amazing tutor, can’t thank you enough for this video! Nobody has ever explained this thoroughly and understandable how to prune a hydrangea macrophylla, most people say that ohhh, don’t prune them, or you’ll lose all the flower buds, and that’s all. I have a few macrophyllas for 4-5 years now, and they didn’t perform as much as I expected them, so now I’ll use your method and hope for the best. Thanks again, I’m happy that I discovered your video and your channel! 😊

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for taking time to comment Kinga. Welcome to my channel! Let us know how your Hydrangeas perform this summer. Warmly, mary

[@mareelonghurst1934]

Thank you so much. I’ve had a big hydrangea in a big pot for six years and now it’s going to have a whole new life because of you.❤

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hi Maree, this is such great news to hear. Thank you for telling me! Let us know how it goes. Thank you for watching! -mary p.s. you can watch my videos Ad-Free on The Gardening Tutor Vimeo Channel. You do not need to join Vimeo to watch.

[@fifteenthfret]

VERY comprehensive tutorial. More clear than a multitude of other Hydrangea videos I’ve watched. Thank you!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much and thanks for stopping by! -mary

[@HeavenHelpUsNet]

You are the best teacher on this topic! I am so grateful for the time you took to show us exactly what and how to get beautiful hydrangeas. Thank You!!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Made my day! Let us know how it goes. -mary

[@Benniboy93]

I followed this video last year and my hydrangea flowered spectacularly! So, a year later, here I am again for a refresher. Thanks so much for putting this out there. The level of detail is really appreciated.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Yay! So happy to hear your follow up Benniboy93. I usually look at comments for this video with one eye closed...because it is my most hated video and most loved. So thank you for sending a positive review to start my day! Great Job on your pruning! -mary

[@DH-cz5di]

FINALLY! An amazingly comprehensive video that actually explains the how’s and the why’s. It was so empowering to finally understand mophead pruning. I was always afraid to prune because no other video actually showed the details the way you did. Gardening tutor is the perfect name. Can’t wait to see what I can do with my overgrown monsters. So glad I found you! My mop heads and I thank you!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Yay!! Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. Let us know how it goes! Remember to check my community page here to get updates. -mary

[@dfu1685]

THANK YOU! This is what I NEEDED. Calmness, knowledge and gentle instruction is SO Appreciated. This is the best instructional video I have seen about Hydrangea pruning on all of KZbin. You have greatly helped so many gardeners across the World. Bravo! 👍🏼

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Awww, thank you so much dfu! You have made my week and it's only Monday. I'm going to print out your sweet comment and keep it at my desk. I would love to hear how it goes for you with your hydrangeas in the future. I really appreciate the time you took to watch and comment! -mary

[@jage5256]

Now I finally know what I'm doing. I have 3 pots of mopheads white blue and pink. They have huge heads I transplant to new pots fed liquid & bonemeal. Growing like crazy and I keep moss around the base to keep them moist and happy. I check daily the soil. But when I prune I know what to do now. I had one last year and transplant in huge container. It didn't like it I had it in full sun it drooped I cut it too early and died. I said never again. It had the mopheads that were 24 inch wide. But now thanks to your video my new ones are thriving. No I never fed the one that died so it was starving. Thanks so much for taking the time to explain!! I'm so happy😊

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Dear Jage, Seeing your wonderful post of perseverance first thing this morning is so uplifting! Thank you. And thank you for taking the time to watch and post your story. I love it! -mary

[@jage5256]

@@TheGardeningTutor awww you are very welcome sweetheart

[@jeannelaird9633]

I have looked for years on understanding what new growth is and how to prune correctly. I haven't been able to find any videos with such an informative description. I now understand! Thank you~

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for posting Jeanne. Your comment made my day! Would love to hear how it goes. -mary

[@jeannelaird9633]

@@TheGardeningTutor Second year in a row and the hydrangeas are so pretty! Thank you :)

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Your note has really put a smile on my face and made my day! I just got in from a long day of work and this was just what I needed to see. Great Job Jeanne! -mary

[@TheGardeningTutor]

P.S. Remember you can watch my video Ad-Free on Vimeo now. You do not need to be a member of Vimeo to watch the videos. vimeo.com/thegardeningtutor

[@kam.26]

By far the best pruning video on KZbin. Very thorough and only one that teaches how to prune the leaves. I have a ton of stalks without buds and the plant is out of control. Very helpful. Huge thx n

[@TheGardeningTutor]

So happy you find the video helpful. Thank you so much for taking time to post! Your compliment is so inspiring, thank you! -mary

[@lheim12]

Am so, so thankful for this instruction video. I come back every year for a refresher course. You explained everything so thoroughly and clearly. My hydrangea and I thank you!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

I love this post, thank you so much Lori. Cheers! -mary

[@cooper8318]

Superb video! By far the best on the subject

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much cooper8318. And thank you for watching and taking time to comment. -mary

[@luthersteaching5228]

This is an excellent video on pruning, cleaning up, and understanding your macrophage hydrangeas. Wonderful instruction and I agree the best video I have found on this subject. I’m only sad that it’s October not spring time! Now I’ll have to put a lid on my excitement until April 😁. Just a side comment- you have a beautiful voice! Wonderful for instruction. Thank you!!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hi Luthers teaching, It was so nice to come home from working all day to see your lovely note and compliment. You could prune out dead stems now. By doing this now you can see what's going on in your hydrangeas. Observe which stems flowered this year and which ones did not etc. Also you could cut out or shorten any crossing stems. Let us know how it goes. I love hearing follow ups. -mary

[@luthersteaching5228]

@@TheGardeningTutor thank you for your very helpful reply. I will be heeding your advice and do exactly as you advise. I’ll let you know! Linda

[@freedomlife3623]

@@TheGardeningTutor love your instruction on this topic, best once I could find. Could you please clarify what do you consider as crossing stems? Thanks very much. I have a 3 years old Let’s dance Hydrangea, a 3 years old Tuff Stuff Hydrangea and a 2 years old Abracadabra Hydrangea. Love them all and want to keep them healthy. Do you also have a video on how to fertilizing and make them Blue or Pink? Thanks so much.

[@christinehaack8123]

I have watched countless videos, and all have said not to prune (Mophead), which never made sense. Cannot thank u enough for this fantastic video, but thank u, thank u!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hi Christine, aww thank you for writing. I'm so glad you found my video. I have a mophead (the one in the video) that is over 30 years old now. Every year I prune it and it has bloomed beautifully year after year, all while staying less than 3 feet tall and wide (with no "trunk"). It can be done, ha! Thank you for your feedback I really appreciate the time you took to write. -mary

[@tomwessling7065]

Best tutorial on pruning this type of hydrangea I have ever seen! Thanks.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You're so welcome Tom. -mary

[@nancyhiatt2835]

Best video I've seen. She shares the little tips that make all the difference. She is very thorough!! It's a long video, but worth it.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you Nancy and thank you for hanging in their to watch the video all the way. This was one of my first videos, I've tried my best to make them as short as possible since then. -mary

[@monicaburton7230]

This was the best video. I loved the re-cap! Thank you.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

This is my most hated and most loved video Monica. Thank you so much for watching all the way through and taking time to comment positively. -mary

[@gervoi]

I particularly enajoyed zooming in and getting a good clear look at what you where doing.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you gervoi. -mary

[@veronicamarin1453]

I just purchased some macrophylla hyrangeas and this video has been the best one yet. I love the way you are explaining with so much information, while you are actually doing the process. Thank you so much.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You are so welcome Veronica. Thank you for taking the time to watch and post! -mary

[@mahaliaborders2638]

Thank you so much! I have watched multiple videos on Hydrangeas and this is the only I will ever need!! Well done!!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

I saw your post in the morning before going to work Mahalia. Thank you so much for making my day! -mary

[@elizabethmcgrath6198]

Thank you so much whatched and pruned my mums hydrangea that she got 2 years ago before she died so i'm super happy it's still alive.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hug. I understand completely how important this is Elizabeth. Thank you for taking the time to post a thank you. Best-mary :)

[@charlottedavis7962]

Your tutorial was good to watch because it clarified pruning techniques I didn't quite understand from other videos. Thanks for the verbal detail and the excellent close up shots. This is the best video I've seen.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Your comment made my day Charlotte! Thanks for watching. - mary

[@rubyshellac]

Thank you SO much for this!! First video I see that actually gives useful info with clear explanations. I'm writing you this from Spain. It is the first year that I've been taking care of a very old (I don't know exactly how much, but probably several decades) but extremelly healthy and HUGE old-wood hydrangea in our garden (it was my grandma's and she used to take care of it until she passed away). I know that it is the old-wood type because somebody pruned it two years ago without knowing at all what they were doing and they stopped the blooming completely, we did not have any flowers at all last year's summer (actually, we did have 1 single flower, it was very sad), and nobody knew why :) . So that is how I discovered that this peculiar old-wood kind existed. I started taking care of it and fertilizing it with acid-plant fertilizers, etc. The blooms this summer have been out-of-this world, huge and completely full. It was like a huge ballon just made of flowers (it is several meters high and wide), I don't see any other plant similar to it. The funny thing is that the accidental extreme pruning 2 years ago probably also invigorated the plant. The thing is that now I am trembling, the blooms are fading and withering, and I do not like that look as you do, so I am starting to cut them and do the pruning as they advise (the other person who did it probably pruned it in the fall or winter, that is why this happened). I am however very scared of killing any of next year's flowers. I am very new to gardening and so far I'm becoming a little expert in our rose bushes this year, but I see the hydrangeas are a different world. A few doubts: 1- I must say, my hydrangea was left to grow during too many years and therefore it has very long trunks, I was surprised to hear in your video that it is better not to have these, because I like the height and size of the plant as it is now (I wish I can control that it does not keep growing because it'll be gigantic and there's no room), and I thought it was something normal. From this core of just strong but slender and long trunks the rest of the plant grows, the leaves and flowers. So I panic how to cut them... And if I don't cut or not enough, will it keep growing even huger, like a tree for next year, or will it just stay more or less this size? Some seen so healthy and with new buds and growth just below the dead flower, that it seems sad to cut them... 2- By the way, so far I have cut a few flowers and branches already and, thinking it had to be done as in the rose plants, I did the diagonal cut instead of the straight one that you say. Is that very bad? Also, in the rose plants the cut had to be done much nearer the buds, so if I had cut some too near here, have I killed them too? Ahhhh! 3- Would you be so kind to explain how/where to cut a fresh flower as well? (not pruning, just getting a flower for decoration) I have cut a few for vases this summer, but I never was sure where I was supposed to do the cut. Some videos said where 2 branches join, but most of my branches are just a veeeery long stem... When are we supposed to cut when 2 branches join? 4- When should I stop the fertilizing, should I continue until September at least? To my surprise I see that new flowers seem to be blooming even now after most of the flowers are withering. I didn't know they had a 2nd bloom... 5- At the very beginning I may have cut too much of some of the branches, if I have only left what seems like the trunk but had no leaves or buds left so far, have I killed that branch? I thought that the joints in the trunk were like future buds... In short, I had no idea what I was doing the first days I was cutting a flower... I wish I'd found your video before! :_( I really need to get to know this plant and what I am doing. All is too confusing now. Rose plants seem much easier to understand at least! :) I am sorry that I have too many questions, I would be so thankful if you could help me with at least some of my doubts, even in installments. Thank you so much again and greetings from Spain! X

[@TheGardeningTutor]

I wish I was there with you in Spain Ruby so I could tutor you in person. When you ask about cut flowers, you mean the hydrangeas not roses, right? You we have the best success if you cut hydrangeas for a vase when the hydrangea bloom is hard to the tough when you cup your hand and pat the blossom. I don't know why you would have to cut at a branching, just either do a heading cut or a thinning cut and leave behind good buds on the stem or remove that stem completely. Because your hydrangea is so old and big it is probably pushing growth from the trunk and not the ground. So, do the same type of pruning as in the video (making sure to leave buds below the cut)...if it bloomed this year cut that stem down to 2 or 3 sets of healthy buds and if it did not bloom this year, cut those stems by one third their height. As far as fertilizing, other than a nice application of compost as mulch twice a year, I do not fertilize on a regular basis. Maybe just once in early spring to help get large flowers. For other plants I stop fertilizing at the end of August here (2 months before frost season starts-unless it is a heavy blooming annual plant then I fertilize until end of Sept). You can do it Ruby, let us know how it goes. -mary

[@rubyshellac]

@@TheGardeningTutor The Gardening Tutor Thank you so much for your wise and useful feedback! I'll try to keep you posted. Sorry again for such a long post before, I get worried with too many doubts and questions trying to learn the basics of the different flowers in the garden, but especially of the hydrangeas. Everything is so new and fascinating, just scared of doing things wrong. A shame one can't post pics here. I found your Facebook, I may show you through there some photo of how gorgeous and massive the hydrangea and the rose plants looked this year when/if I find time to get to post some pics. Regards from Spain. - Mónica ("Ruby Shellac" is just my YT name, after a painting material) :)

[@TheGardeningTutor]

I understand completely RS. I remember exactly how it feels to be a new gardener and it is exciting...and scary. You can do it! The plants will tell you stuff when you observe what happens to your pruning cuts when you look a few weeks or months later...what the cuts encouraged (like the wonder blooms 2 years after being whacked) and what cuts discourage. You can send me an email with photo anytime. [e-mail] -mary

[@wendycummings]

Best video for mop head hydrangea. I’ve watched so many on this subject, this video helped me get to a more advanced level. I have several of this type of hydrangea. Now I can take this plant and make it over the top beautiful. I’m in Michigan, so I’ll be pruning soon. Probably closer to the end of April. Thanks Mary! Btw I use cottage farms acid fertilizer tabs to keep my Endless Summers blue. Thanks! You’re the best!!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to post such a complimentary post Wendy. I appreciate it! And thanks for the tip for blue flowers. -mary

[@cqammaz53]

Where did you purchase your cottage farms acid fertilizer? I looked on Amazon for it but could not find it.

[@kimberlychatfield6822]

@@cqammaz53 You can probably get it directly from Cottage Farms Direct, or on QVC

[@tericlouse5997]

I wish i would've found this video last spring because husband and i are gardening neophytes and our hydrangea had only half a dozen flowers on a huge plant, way too big. However now it is November and we have this ugly mess, knowing that we're supposed to prune in the spring, and this plant holds a prominent spot right by our front door. I'm thinking it's time for a new hydrangea next spring. Thank you for this tutorial because we won't make this mistake again. We are very grateful.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You are so welcome. Thank you for writing Teri, you made my day. If you haven't ripped that Hydrangea out yet you could go in and remove dead stems now to open the base up to more light and see if you encourage new stems to grow from the soil. Depending where you live you could actually prune it now and see how it goes with freeze/frost weather. Some gardeners here in Zone 9 (northern california-sonoma county) prune their hydrangeas in November because they don't want to look at dead stems all winter. I wait and let the plant protect itself during our first frosts. Take Care, mary

[@richardsims1958]

I have wondered what type I have for years. I have one that my Dad planted for his grandmother back in 1940. I saved the rootball and it has grown to a very large plant and has produced so many off springs. So we have pink and blues, depending on what we feed them. Thanks for all the great tips!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Wow, 1940! So cool. Thank you for watching and posting and sharing your story. -mary

[@richardsims1958]

The Gardening Tutor have watched your pruning several times. Here is why, first I have never done it properly, as I have only trimmed back stems to about 12-16". I will be moving from the Atlanta area next June to NW South Carolina to retire and plan to take the plant with me. What advice can you give to prepare it for moving it again? Thanks!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hmmm, moving plants with their soil across state lines seems like no big deal to most people but it can be a huge deal if there are insect larvae or diseases in the soil or disease on the leaves. Tricky. My sister once dug up a plant and gave it to me. We lived in the same state but a few counties over. When i got that plant (and the soil from her garden) back to my house, I washed off all the soil from the roots before I planted it. In that soil were dozens of really big larvae. I killed most of them but let a few hatch in a closed container. Yikes, it was a big insect I have never seen before here in Sonoma County so killed those too. -mary

[@freedomlife3623]

@@richardsims1958 Could you share what do you fertilize your Hydrangea to get them turn blue or pink? Thanks.

[@kimberlychatfield6822]

The best video I´ve seen yet for explaining mophead pruning. Right now, I have tons of new growth coming from the ground, and a lot of tall sticks from last year, and was wondering how much to cut back. I will go look for some buds!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much Kimberly. Here in Santa Rosa California it's too late to do the hard pruning as the hydrangeas have already formed flowers but you can prune dead, diseased, damaged and crossing stems out anytime. If you prune hard now you may sacrifice flowers for this year. -mary P.s. if you do hard prune now I'd love to hear your follow up.

[@dianaalbers6327]

I hope you saved all those wonderful cutting to make more beautiful plants!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Maggie, we all just hacked away at our hydrangeas until we learned better. :) Some people still just hack them down every year and create the big trunk. Now, you know what to do. Time to buy some new hydrangeas! :) -mary

[@SammyNicole_]

@the gardening tutor Best video, best explanation, with the best examples using the best type of species to demonstrate this tricky but not so tricky task which is pruning 🏆. Thank you for your wisdom and spreading it. Happy pruning everyone! 🌱

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank You sammynicole, you made my day! Gave me a smile and chuckle. What more could a person want to start their day! -mary

[@drewsmith9448]

Excellent. Thank you. So clearly explained. Please don’t stop making these wonderful instructional films

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words Drew! -mary

[@cqammaz53]

You have the best explanation on pruning mophead hydrangeas. Thank you

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much Carolyn. I use a bait that CA will not allow us to buy anymore. It's Deadline granules. It doesn't mold like all the other baits and I only have to use a little. Now I'm going to have to use Sluggo Plus but it molds really quickly once it gets wet, sadly. I do Alot of hand picking of earwigs, slugs, snails etc. in addition to a little baiting. Thank you for watching and posting! -mary

[@frankthomas6842]

Trimming based on the direction of buds is some next level stuff I never considered. Thank you!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Haha! Thanks Frank, you made my day. :) -mary

[@garyspesard6941]

..the very best illustration of how to prune this type of hydrangea. thanks so much.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for watching! -mary

[@suzetteccc]

Wow. This is the Master Class on pruning mopheads. I watch it every year. It's my favourite job in the garden and I find it hard to wait! I keep trying to stop my branches from flopping. It's difficult to sacrifice a year! Thank you ....

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for watching and commenting Suzetteccc. You must be getting some beautiful, large flowers since they are flopping. In the video you see that I shorten the stems that grew in the previous year (but did not flower) just for this reason. Shortening the stems creates a sturdier, thicker stem to hold up the weight of the flowers...plus you'll get more than one flower per stem when the stem is shortened. I love hearing how it's going in everyone's garden! Best, mary

[@suzetteccc]

@@TheGardeningTutor Thank you so much!. It's that time of year, soI thought I would get a refresher. I may have to cut more than 1 in 5. I'm also going to work following your advice on encouraging stems from the ground. I only get them low down on existing stems....

[@longbeach.bradlydalmatian6130]

Great video:)) it's so nice to hear someone else that cares and has the knowledge about plant life ! Love it

[@Medizina4u]

Mary Frost, you won my gardening heart! Thank you❤️

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Awww and you started my week off with a big smile! Thank you Medizina4u

[@patriciaterranova1074]

This was a great video. I have 4 mop heads that grown close to 5 feet tall and wide. They’re 23 years old. This Spring we had snow in May so my buds were frozen. I was able to give the plants Jacks 202020 plant food to stimulate growth. Apparently it’s worked I can’t tell if I’ll have any flowers but I saved the plant. Thank you for showing me how to prune since I’ve never done it. They’re my showy front of the House specimens so need to shorten their heights. I’m glad you showed how to cut DDD. Thanks

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Wow, that's such a great story about saving your plants! Congratulations. Let us know how it goes Patricia. Can't wait to hear! -mary

[@RolfCJ]

Thank you. This is the best explanation I have ever watched. Have a blessed day.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for the compliment and thank you for taking time to comment and like the video RolfCJ. I really appreciate it! -mary

[@marcymckinnon2118]

Thank you! This was the most comprehensive, informative video I've watched on pruning. I have a couple Hydrangeas that have gotten out of control and haven't really enjoyed. I'm hoping after following your tips they will look better next year :)

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Let us know how it goes Marcy! Thank you so much for taking time to comment. -mary

[@rayekren7508]

I'm new at this game and I just discovered answers to most-all of my pruning questions. Your video wasn't good, it was EXCELLENT! You now have a Hydrangea-friend for life. Thanks.

[@1horseToomany]

Superb video and lovely voice! Very helpful, thank you!

[@Rachel-mo6iu]

I couldn't agree more!!!

[@ceciliachen2084]

Thank you for wonderful detailed instruction. My 20+ year old are getting treatments next.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you Cecilia and thank you for taking time to post! Let us know how it goes. -mary

[@michellevalenzuela9135]

I am new to pruning hydrangeas and have watched several videos. I really like how informative you are and take the viewer step by step educating us the whole way. Great job!!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for watching Michelle and taking time to comment. It's always so exciting for me to hear that someone is new to pruning! Yay! -mary

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

@@TheGardeningTutor fresh meat! Hydrangeas are like a weapon for your hands.

[@terrylust454]

This spring will be my main mop head hydrangea’s 3rd year. I never had hydrangeas before, and really didn’t know how to manage them, so I left this one alone until now. It’s starting to bud, and I think I trimmed it properly, but boy did I learn so much with this video!! It’s in total shade, and I think I’m going to move it so it gets morning sun. I’m in north Texas, and our summer afternoons are brutal, but I’ve read that they need some sunshine. I also have oak leaf and limelight that are doing great, but again, I really don’t know what I’m doing, so have left them alone. A landscaper put all of these in at once, and I’ve been a bit overwhelmed, but trying to learn all I can about them. I’m confused about feeding them, there’s so much contradictory info out there! Many thanks for this wonderful tutorial. I learned more in a few minutes here than the past 2 years of searching!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Oh Terry, so sorry I thought i replied to this days ago! You will know if your hydrangea is not getting enough sunlight because the flowers will be really small and whimpy. The oak leaf hydrangeas are very forgiving with however people prune them. They generally will grow new growth from bare stems. I leave some of the older, taller stems each year because I get the fattest blooms on the older growth but I do prune back several other stems to 2 or 3 nodes so the whole plant will be nice and bushy throughout. Hope this helps. Thank you for taking the time to comment and watch! -mary

[@verbaiva]

@@TheGardeningTutor Went through very same struggle with hydrangea too. Replanted bushes in my third year now with many articles and videos and finally was awarded by finding yours Mary’s Frost The Gardening Tutor - thank you! Got answered all my QQ. Nobody’s mentioned before about trunk, what stops old bushes from replenishing/rejuvenating and explained hydrangea’s shoots' different stages, cuts length/angles and finding buds position to form blossoming brunches. It all makes sense now! Ontario has colder/longer spring this season and my bushes look exactly as on video. Enjoyed watching and listening - all explained, showed and commented so well. Feel inspired to make pruning right this time.Great review/summary at the end of video was cheery on top - looking forward to see my hydrangea “cherries” to enjoy pinky hats in the summer. Appreciate your teaching talent. Thank you! Going to share this video with my neighbor.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hi Verbaiva, thank you so much for such a great comment. It's very helpful for me to see how the video helped you! You're going to share with your neighbor and I'm going to print out your comment and pin it to my actual desk. haha! Let us know how it goes. -mary

[@tonyhoran1602]

As a newbie gardener I'm watching lots of videos, probably 100 this year so far. This is the best instructional video I have seen by a mile. The instruction is detailed, clear, AND concise. As a coach /educator myself I particularly appreciated and benefited from the final recap. Masterful! Thank you Mary 💜 👏 💐

[@TheGardeningTutor]

So happy to hear you are a new gardener Tony!! There is no end to what you can explore in horticulture. :) Your post is so great, I printed it out and took it with me to work today! This video in particular seems to bring out some comments that can bum me out, now when that happens all I need to do is read your post. Haha! Thank you for taking the time to post such a great review! Hope you let us know how your gardening goes. -mary

[@tonyhoran1602]

I'm pleased you appreciated my feedback Mary, the video was so helpful I had to post a comment. I found it hard to believe the video got 41 thumbs down then I was reminded just how many unreasonable, unrealsitic and stressed out people are able to use a computer. 681 thumbs up gives a ratio of 16/1 so thats excellent considering the volatile nature of many viewers. keep up the good work 😉

[@TheGardeningTutor]

haha! Again, you've started my day with a smile and a chuckle. :)

[@midoann]

Wow! Lot of tips, thank you, excellent teacher. From Japan, I bought a blue-purple ajisai ( hydrangea ) in a pot with three huge rounded ajisai. I didn’t know anything about the flower and thanks to you I have learnt a lot.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for watching and commenting Ana. What a beautiful name for hydrangea. -mary

[@midoann]

The Gardening Tutor thank you for your reply. By the way, yes! Watching your videos I feel like a personal tutorial, like I were there with you watching the plant and listening to your explanation, you do know how to teach: know what problems your students could find, calm us not to panic when saying don’t worry at the end I’ll summarize and explain again, you give basic and important theory like this a bud (?), this is a stem... and you walk the walk ( how is the saying?) based in experience and study. I will continue seeing your videos because now that I’m with the fever of gardening and gosh! It’s not easy ( I enjoy gardening even if I’m finding tons of problems ( bugs on my roses, bonsai, etc) and things like how to prune, is this annual or perenne plant?, is it a shade plant, is it better to plant with the south light... Sorry! The long comment, Oyasuminasai ( good night).

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Your excitement for gardening makes me so happy Ana! You are at the really fun (and sometimes frustrating) stage of gardening, the beginning. I still feel some of your same excitement even after all these years. We never stop learning in horticulture. Thank you for the detailed comment as it helps me know i am making videos that are helpful. Oyasuminasai. -mary

[@leanney3763]

Thankyou learnt a lot .... have 3 bushes ... but brought another six as want a whole row of blooms , I feel a pro now 🤣 xx

[@Namri]

I love listening to your videos! Informative and I feel like I'm getting a lesson from a kind, experienced neighbor with that beautiful garden.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Oh! What a wonderful comment to begin my day. Thank you so much Namri. Kindness is the way. Have a lovely day. -mary p.s. I'm printing out your comment and hanging it right in front of me at my desk. :)

[@chinazaified]

Thank you this is the most detailed video on trimming Hydrangeas that I have found I really appreciate it..😊

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You're so welcome Theresael. Thank you for watching and taking time to comment! -mary

[@tobeyninjadreams6530]

Excellent video. very understandable and followable. Loved the pointer.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for taking time to comment Tobey and the nice compliment! Let us know how your pruning goes. -mary

[@Michael-yt3wz]

Great Video! I just pruned my 6 hydrangeas over the last two days. This video helped big time.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Yay! Clapping!! Thank you for watching and posting Michael. -mary

[@Rachel-mo6iu]

Thank you, thank you Mary Frost!!! I have trolled the internet for someone, anyone(!) to explain to me how to prune the beautiful hydrangeas I have inherited with my new home. Your very clear and informative video has made me understand it fully whereas no one else could. So glad I found you and thank you (from the hydrangeas!!!) Can't wait to get pruning without the worry!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Awww, Rachel, you've made my day. I can't wait to hear how they bloom this year! Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. I too had the hardest time understanding the pruning of mopheads when instructors just raced through how to do it. Tricky. Once you get it though, you've got it! -mary

[@Rachel-mo6iu]

@@TheGardeningTutor The pleasure is all mine!! Will let you know how I get on!

[@mariebee3146]

By far the most informative video I've seen on pruning this type of hydrangea. The first spring after planting my hydrangeas I pruned everything and of course nothing bloomed. I was heart broken and have been terrified of pruning since then. This year they finally bloomed and I was wondering what I should do with the dead blooms. Thanks to your video I will give pruning another try next spring. Wish me luck! ;)

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You won't need any luck, you know what to do now and your hydrangea is going to be blooming next summer for sure! I leave the dead flowers during winter because I like the winter interest but you can cut the spent flowers off your plants anytime. If you do cut them off now and then prune next spring, you'll want to look at each tip to see if the stem bloomed the last year so you'll know how far down to prune it. That being said, as long as when you prune, you're leaving 2 or 3 sets of fat, healthy buds you'll probably still have good results. Thanks for your compliment, I really appreciate hearing from you. -mary

[@jillsatherley9799]

Thank you, I am watching from Christchurch New Zealand

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Wow, that is so amazing! Thank you for watching and letting me know where you are. -mary

[@PreservingMyOasis]

This video is very well done! Thank you so much for teaching me.

[@brianherbert9608]

Thank you for a very helpful tutorial - fantastic. I’m a beginner with only a small shared garden plot in London. So small we only have 5 rather sad hydrangeas that look like they haven’t been touched in years. They are in a sunny spot so tomorrow they shall be revived! ( or I might leave it a few weeks to let things warm up) Looking forward to learning more - thanks for taking the trouble.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for watching and commenting Herby. It's always so cool when I hear from people far away! Let us know how it turns out with your hydrangeas! -mary

[@debrastudebaker8267]

Just moved into my new house there are hydrangeas in the garden this is a very helpful video and how to take care of them lots of work ahead.

[@berenicemasciel7922]

Oh my !!! I don’t know how I found you but this was AMAZING. THANK YOU for so much detail and incredible information. 😘❤️

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Happy to hear you found me Berenice! -mary

[@mrburgess2760]

Excellent advice and very helpful tips like the DDDC tip very well explained and easy to follow advice thankyou so much 😀

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You're so welcome mrburgess. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Have a great day! -mary

[@carolynqammaz1280]

You have the best explaining. I just wish your camera person didn't cast a shadow on what you were showing. Thanks for sharing. I hope to see more of your videos.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

We have to film at the crack of dawn so it can be hard to avoid shadows. I do not monetize my channel so you shouldn't see any advertising...maybe this will forgive any shadows. :). All my videos do cost me to make them for you and they are my gift to all of you and my clients. -mary

[@svetlana7904]

Thankyou lovely man, please take care, regards from Melbourne

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

Such a great video to teach us about hydrangea. I just bought my first hydrangea & have it potted in a half barrel so I can take it to the family farm with me when we move and plant it in the ground. I look forward to moving there with my lovely plants! Can you take the cuttings and start them? For all of you who spent time viewing the video but didn't take a moment to like it... Why not? It does't take any effort. =/ 🌱Be Blessed ღ 🌼

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Yes, you can propagate hydrangea by tip cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Thank you so much Sansa for mentioning the like button. I do my best not to look at the likes because then I see the dislikes and wonder. Then I think, "Well, you try it" and also the videos are free but are spendy to create and I wonder why one would case a thumb down for something free. And on we go . . . Love your comments and questions. Are you moving across state lines Sansa? -mary

[@kamatchiswaminathan9839]

Sansa Stark

[@jeanwelling3037]

Sansa Stark w

[@lainieturner3400]

Mary, you do a great job explaining the process and showing important details. Thanks so much for this video! This will be my first time pruning (this coming spring) but first I have to figure out timing for transplanting the potted hydrangea into the ground. So lovely to have the insights your video provided.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for taking time out of your day to watch and for your kind comment Lainie. Let us know how your plants turn out. -mary

[@TinthiaClemant]

Good videos. Many mop heads bloom on new wood too. 🌹

[@ThePatii7]

This is such a great, informative video. Just Love it💚

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much for posting Patti! -mary

[@kristinLB]

I just moved in to a house for the first time in decades. It is on a ranch and the garden areas were so overgrown and unkempt. There are also two beautiful hydrangea plants. It’s July amd I’m not sure should I prune them now? Or wait till spring. I learned a lot in this video. Thank you.

[@doraphiri9313]

Best pruning video ever

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you So Much doraphiri I haven't had my computer for 9 days so i missed your awesome comment until now. Thanks for watching! You can find my blog and monthly gardening tips on my website if you're interested: thegardeningtutor.com

[@gardengirl11ify]

Thank you very helpful. Just transplanted two. Fingers crossed

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Great! You're welcome. Thank you for taking time to post. Let us know how your transplants do! -mary

[@gardengirl11ify]

My transplants look they were never moved. Have bloomed profusely but the blooms don't fill out compleyely

[@TheGardeningTutor]

hmm. Wish I could see them. Are they planted in too much shade or not getting regular water? . . . or are there aphids or other insect inside those blooms?

[@gardengirl11ify]

drive.google.com/file/d/19hdTMkFQ2XqA35tBxsU1nZ-hrcVUxDLu/view?usp=drivesdk.

[@gardengirl11ify]

The Gardening Tutor Hi Mary,Hope you are well. The hydrangea to the right of this one is about half the size and bloomed nicely

[@ireneclark1817]

Just what I needed have just bought 2 hydrangeas👌🏻

[@mttaylor129]

I’ve watched this at least three times since the Fall, and just did my first round - in mid-April - on a large shrub. Your instruction helped tremendously. One thing you didn’t tell: How to get down to the bottoms of the stalks and prune them without poking oneself in the eye, armpit, etc! 😉 I will have to go back to finish. I didn’t do the 1 of every 5 yet and still have clean-up.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Oh ouch! Been there. haha! About 5 years ago I started wearing safety glasses when I garden. Between soil flying into my eye when weeding or digging and being poked by phormium tips, I just can't garden without glasses now. Thank you so much for watching Mary Theresa. I can't wait to hear how your hydrangeas respond! -mary

[@jage5256]

I saw how she used a stick and just kinda touch a stem to make sure it's the one to cut. Also I would clear out the base first of dead leaves bugs branches etc so it's nice and clean down there. Then work around the outside of the plant and move in more as your are cutting the DDD = damaged diseased & dead stuff. She's really great. Just watch like 5 x like I did to get it in your head. Take care.😊

[@kumu2613]

***** 5 stars for your instructions with detailed demonstrations. We needed that. Usually, even expert gardeners just talk without clear demonstrations. Hydrangea has been a challenge for me as one spring, I just pruned incorrectly taking away all new buds albeit very tiny. That stopped flowering of a wonderfully flowering bush the previous year. 🤭 What kind of care can we give a plant in the fall? Any tips? 🙏

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much Kumu! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. In fall, i just let my Hydrangeas go dormant, picking up leaves off the ground where they fall. Also, I keep the leaves from the tree above from building up in the center of my hydrangea to keep it open for sunlight. I do leave the old flowers for brown, winter interest but some people prefer to cut them off. The old flowers can protect the lower buds somewhat from hard frost though for awhile. Let us know how it goes. -mary :)

[@kumu2613]

@@TheGardeningTutor Thank you so much 🙏 Will definitely report back 😊

[@catherineharmer4824]

Love your video. It is very informative. I hope to see new videos from you in the future! Thank you!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you Catherine! It's always heartwarming to get a positive comment. Thank you for taking time to post. -mary

[@cqammaz53]

Thank you I cut my Hydrangea a couple of years ago NOT KNOWING what I was doing and I have not had any flower since then. Huh! So, with your help, I'm hoping to DD&C in the spring of 2020 and fingues cross that in the summer of 2020 I will have big beautiful blue flowers again. Wish me luck

[@TheGardeningTutor]

oh, how sad. Been there Carolyn. You won't need luck, you can do it! Thank you for posting and please let us know how it goes in 2020! -mary

[@patriciashanks5870]

Thanks so much. I love hydrangeas and have lots of them and never knew how to prune them, I thought I wasn't supposed to. No wonder they don't do well lol

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Awww, I used to do the same thing. I hope you write back next summer and let us know how they are doing! -mary

[@patriciashanks5870]

@@TheGardeningTutor I will let you know. Thanks again

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Emme K. For some reason I can't reply to your nice comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It made my day! -mary

[@honeynshea]

I found this more helpful than any other video I watched ! thank you :)

[@dianevitale1214]

Zone 8a SE coastal NC....have now viewed your video 3-4 times and more will do, and thinking with help I will try to prune my mature, 12 yrs++ hydrangea late today or tomorrow. It has not been pruned in the over a decade since I bought this home, for sure. It's 9/8/18 and think first frost will be approx Nov 15th. If I successfully do some pruning, wondering if I should top dress with organic manure a tad around base, or leave alone. Must tell you, out of all the videos I have watched and online tutorials, your instruction is fabulous, especially to an uninformed dunce like me.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much Diane! If your hydrangea is huge, you may want to do your pruning over a couple of years instead of doing a complete rejuvenation all at once just so its not so shocking for you (the plant would probably be fine). :) Here in Zone 9 frost is going to start at the end of October. My hydrangeas will be pruned in mid to late March in order for them to have as much protection from frost as possible. That being said, many gardeners here prune their hydrangeas in November because they don't want to look at all the dormant wood and faded old flowers. I hesitate to do that because frost can kill the dormant buds, plus i like the look of the old flowers. -mary

[@TheGardeningTutor]

p.s. I apply a layer of compost every year to my garden beds (twice actually). This includes the hydrangeas. You are not a "dunce"! :)

[@beafitze5909]

I'm learning so much from you Mary, thanks!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

You're so welcome Bea. :) Thanks for posting!

[@suzetteccc]

Wow. Thank you so much for the in depth video. I should be fine from now on!!! I will subscribe!

[@laurastarr7777]

Even though this video is long, it is very detailed and I love it! I have been searching for a very close up, detailed lesson on how to trim hydrangeas. So many videos are filmed so far away and you can’t really see what they are doing. I love the close-up of the camera to see exactly what you were doing down in the plant. I can’t wait to properly trim my hydrangea bushes and get more flowering this year!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment Laura Starr. Your words feel like a breath of fresh air! :) Let us know how your hydrangeas do. A few friends of mine have said they want to see me in the videos but that's not going to happen. My intention is that you feel as if you are beside me as you learn and gain confidence! -mary

[@zailymoon4288]

Love to see a this years blooms 🌸🌸🌸 I really liked this video my husband was going to toss out the hydrangea potted plant he got me for my birthday because the mop heads are starting to turn green and dry but I’m going to do my best for it to stay healthy and blooming every spring/summer ❤️

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Awww, sweet! Hydrangeas are resilient, I bet you'll do great. -mary

[@mirnapuma8050]

This video was so helpful! Thank you.

[@JJ-gt2po]

Thank you for the wonderful information! I would love to see a class on fertilizing , when and how far around the base. How often!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for commenting Jan and for the video idea! -mary

[@faustinaegoian119]

Excellent video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼very informative.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Haha! Love your hand claps. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to watch Faustina! -mary

[@quadmama22]

Thank you for the video. It was very informative. I have not pruned my hydrangeas properly, and they are flopping over with heavy blooms on weak stems. I did cut out last year's blooms, but did not prune. At this point they already have lots of blooms, so should I wait and prune next year?

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for posting Traci! You can prune now knowing that you'll be removing this year's flowers (if your hydrangea has some strong stems you could leave those flowers if the end result will look balanced). Or you could just prune back the flopping flower stems a bit now and prune more mindfully next spring. The mophead hydrageas could actually be pruned after the blooms fade every summer but many of us like the look of the dried flowers in fall. Now that you've watched the video you know how to create a plant that will have nice strong stems for the heavy blooms of next summer. It can be hard to prune (by one third the height) the stems that have not bloomed but as you have experienced, leaving them uncut creates the week stems. -mary

[@DancingIntheRain26]

I wish I watched your video much earlier ! I have many hydrangeas and have watched many videos how to prune them. Your video is definitely the best ! None of the videos I watched mentioned about not letting the trunk form at the base of the hydrangea. When I looked at two of my oldest ones (almost 20 years old), they have huge trunks 😂 What can I do to fix the problem ? I noticed all the new growth were coming from the trunks, not from the soil any more 😂 Thank you !

[@debrariley2057]

Great video, excellent info. Really enjoyed .

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you Debra. You made my day! -mary

[@maryrobinson9340]

I was just about to dig up some leggy mop heads. After watching your instructions I will prune them today. Can you tell me which month you pruned yours. Best Hydrangea video Ever Thank You.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

That's great Mary! I prune mine when the buds start to plump and that is usually in late February or so. In the video I was pruning later than usual and the leaves had already started to push. Remember to find me on Vimeo as I am moving my videos to Vimeo so you do not have to watch ads. -mary

[@craftymamairyna]

im in vancouver, bc when will you suggest to do pruning? can i do it in july or august? i did some pruning in march but i got no flowers... i don't even see the flower buds, i have lots of healthy big green leaves but no flowers...:(

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for watching and posting Iryna. Hydrangea can actually be deadheaded (remove the faded flowers) in summer but i usually leave them to turn brown for winter interest. I'm not familiar with the weather in Vancouver, BC. In spring here in Sonoma County, once the danger is frost is pasted or I see new buds starting to push growth, I prune them. -mary

[@gaylemartin3094]

You are awesome!!! 👍🏾Best tutorial on this topic I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you so much Gayle. What a nice comment to see after a long day in the garden! -mary

[@Rachel-mo6iu]

Agree wholeheartedly!!

[@lsturbointeg]

great video! do you have any recommendations for winterizing these hydrangeas?

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Thank you for asking Isturbointeg. Here in Zone 9 we do not get snow or ice (although we do have frost season). I leave the hydrangeas uncut until just before they start pushing new spring growth. I do not need to cover them with frost cloth . Snow country care of Hydrangeas may be different. Hydrangeas are usually hardy to 10 degrees. -mary

[@littleurk]

Is it too late to prune in mid June in Ontario Canada ? It’s warm and quite humid right now

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hi littleurk, you can prune dead stems out anytime but you may cut off new flowers that are forming now if you shorten the stems. You can also prune out some of the older stems (like in the video) now even though that might mean less flowers too. In the long run though it will help the plant make new stems from the ground. Let us know how it goes. -mary

[@monicatalanoa5844]

Do you save the cuttings n replant them?

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Hi Monica, thank you for watching. I do not save my cuttings as I do not want/need to propagate them but Hydrangeas do well from cuttings. -mary

[@heatherstephens9295]

You are a fantastic tutor! Thank you so much 😊

[@agb0012000]

I loved this video. Very, very, very informative. Thank you.

[@TheGardeningTutor]

Awwwe. Made my day. Thank you so much agb! -mary

[@waynehart7282]

But what time of year is best to prune...leave the full dead wood all winter and then prune in the early spring?

[@lidiajohnson8347]

Excellent information

[@pamfriend5984]

Very easy to understand and informative