Gardeners urged to ‘leave’ hydrangea pruning to ‘protect’ plant

Hydrangeas are known for their lacy flowers and beautiful pastel blue, pink and white shades. The plant usually flowers in mid-summer but has long-lasting flowers which will last well into late summer. Hydrangeas can be planted in spring or autumn in moist, good-draining soil. They also prefer light shade but can tolerate sun.Knowing when to prune hydrangeas is essential to their health and will ensure they thrive throughout the year.Pruning them at the right time will also ensure they produce a beautiful array of flowers year after year.While some experts recommend pruning hydrangeas in autumn or late winter, head of horticulture & biodiversity at Trentham Gardens Carol Adams suggests ‘leaving’ the plant until spring.She exclusively told Express.co.uk: ‘I would leave your hydrangea pruning until the spring.READ MORE: ‘Biggest reason’ mice enter homes – ‘effective’ methods to deter them Gardeners urged to ‘leave’ hydrangea pruning to ‘protect’ next year’s buds (Image: GETTY)’The old flower heads will give you lovely winter seed head interest and are a great place for insects to shelter.Garden birds like Blue Tits can then hunt for energy-rich bugs.’The flowers will also protect next year’s buds from frost damage especially if we have a hard winter.’However, there are other plants gardeners can be pruning now.DON’T MISSSimple trick to tell who owns which side of the fence [INSIGHT]’Permanently kill weeds’ using three ‘everyday household items’ [UPDATE]’Best’ method to kill winter weeds – ‘tried and tested’ hacks [ANALYSIS]Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea Gardening planner (Image: EXPRESS)Hydrangea paniculata and hydrangea arborescens need to be pruned in early spring before the shrubs start growing.Regular pruning isn’t as essential but annual pruning of last year’s growth will encourage the plant to produce larger flowers.Other hydrangea species, including hydrangea aspera, hydrangea aspera villosa group, hydrangea quercifolia and hydrangea sargentiana should be pruned in spring.These don’t need heavy pruning but the long and dead stems need removing.