Gardening enthusiasts are being encouraged to prune their hydrangeas at the correct time of year to ensure a vibrant, healthy display of flowers during the summer months.

Pruning at the wrong time can risk damaging the buds that will bloom the following year, so gardeners should follow expert advice to keep their hydrangeas flourishing year after year.

In the UK, the most commonly grown hydrangeas are the mophead and lacecap varieties, both of which require specific pruning methods. Mophead hydrangeas, known for their large, round clusters of petals, benefit from careful timing when it comes to pruning. Lacecap hydrangeas, on the other hand, have a more delicate appearance, with smaller flowers in the center surrounded by larger petals on the outer edge. Both types need proper care to thrive, especially when it comes to their pruning schedule.

According to experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the majority of pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. However, climbing hydrangeas require pruning only after they have finished flowering, typically in the summer months. This is an important distinction, as incorrect timing could result in cutting off buds that would otherwise grow into next year's beautiful blooms.

For mophead hydrangeas, gardeners in milder areas may remove faded blooms after the color has gone, but it's generally advised to leave the flower heads intact over the winter. These dead blooms can provide some frost protection for the tender buds beneath. Once early spring arrives, gardeners should cut back the stems to the first pair of healthy buds from the faded flower. This method helps protect the plant from damage while ensuring it continues to grow and produce flowers.

Lacecap hydrangeas are somewhat hardier and can be pruned more aggressively. After flowering, the faded flowerheads can be cut back to the second pair of leaves below the head. This prevents the development of seeds, which can drain the plant's energy and hinder new growth.

For established hydrangeas, it's advisable to cut one or two of the oldest stems at the base to encourage the production of fresh, new growth that will yield more flowers in the coming season. This process helps rejuvenate the plant and ensures that it remains strong and healthy.

In cases where hydrangeas have become overgrown, gardeners can completely renovate the plant by cutting all the stems back to the base. However, it's important to note that this will remove all flowers for that year, as the new stems will not bloom until the following season.

If there is any frost damage on the plants in the spring, it's important to prune the affected shoots to just above the first undamaged pair of buds. Additionally, weak, straggly stems should be removed to help the plant focus its energy on producing healthier growth.

In addition to hydrangeas, other plants such as roses, fruit bushes, and wisteria should also be pruned in January. With the right timing and technique, gardeners can help their hydrangeas and other plants thrive, ensuring a beautiful garden all year round.