Use and Care Manual

How to Prune Hydrangeas:
Endless Summer hydrangea macrophylla require very little pruning day-to-day, so you
are able to simply enjoy the beautiful plants. These perennial hydrangeas bloom on
growth from the current year as well as previous years, which allows for the re-blooming
throughout the summer. If you prune too much, you will be removing potential blooms. If
you prune to shape the plant or cut blooms for fresh hydrangea arrangements, be sure
not to over-prune, or you will have less blooms next year.
Overwintering:
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it is a good idea to protect your plants
from freezing winter temperatures. Since Endless Summer® Hydrangeas bloom on last
year’s growth (“old wood”) as well as the current season’s growth (“new wood”), you will
get the most flowers by protecting the flower buds on the old wood. To do this, do NOT
prune or cut back your shrubs after August 1st. Leaving the fall blooms on your plants
over the winter provides winter interest, and ensures you aren’t removing buds that will
become flowers in the spring and summer. Leaves, wood mulch and/or straw are good
options to insulate your plants. Mound the mulch or leaves around your plants at least
12” high to protect the flower buds that will bloom early next year.
In the spring, do not remove the mulch too fast; wait until all danger of frost has passed
before uncovering to ensure beautiful blooms from old and new wood. The “old wood”
buds will provide early season color and the blooms forming on current season growth
will typically occur roughly six weeks later and last through the end of the season. If
your hydrangeas are planted in a container, bring the entire container into your garage
or a cool basement for the winter months, and follow the same steps as garden-planted
hydrangeas. Container plants will not require as much mulch but should be lightly
watered throughout the winter months since they will not receive moisture from snow
and rain.