Gardening expert warns hydrangea owners must do a crucial check before pruning their flowers this spring – so here’s everything you need to know
Katie-Ann Gupwell Content Editor
03:45, 06 Apr 2026
Make sure you are cautious when pruning your garden flowers(Image: Olga Yastremska via Getty Images)
As brighter days approach, many of us feel the urge to get outside and tend to our gardens. We all aspire to have beautiful places to relax in the sunshine, so working outside provides a perfect excuse to enjoy the warmer weather.
However, if hydrangeas feature in your garden, there are some important considerations to bear in mind. Gardening expert Michael, who goes by themediterraneangardener on TikTok, has recently revealed his essential advice.
According to the expert, you must categorise your plants into two groups, as the care requirements depend entirely on whether your hydrangeas bloom on new wood or old wood. Understanding this distinction is crucial for success.
The reason this matters is that each type requires different pruning techniques, typically carried out in spring. The critical point to remember is that they mustn’t be touched until the risk of frost has passed.
Michael explained: “For those that flower on old wood, that’s your big leaf or your oak leaf hydrangea, you want to remove the old flower heads to just above a pair of buds. Hydrangea buds can be knocked off easily, so be careful with your secateurs.”
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The gardener continued: “Cut out any weak or thin stems at the base, and remove one or two of the largest, oldest stems from as low down as possible to promote new shoots from the base. These will grow over the next few years, and carry your blooms for the future.
“So now onto those that flower on new wood – that’s your panicle or your smooth hydrangea. These can be cut back a lot harder to a healthy framework – around 30cm high.
“Prune to just above a pair of healthy buds on each stem and repeat over the plant.”
Since being posted online, the video has racked up numerous views, prompting plenty of questions from viewers in the comments section.
One gardener asked: “I seem to get more leaves than flower buds. What can I do regarding this?”
Another enquired: “I think I need to re-pot mine in a bigger pot. Can I do this now or should I wait until autumn?”
A third responded: “I got given one of these and planted it last October. I’m not sure if it will take and flower.”
Meanwhile, a fourth viewer added: “Very helpful – thank you! Just got to wait for the frost to finish.”
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