How to Prune Korean Hydrangeas

Korean hydrangea, also known as climbing hydrangea, is a vine that climbs walls or trellises with aerial roots. The hydrangeas grow up to 80 feet tall and have white flowers that open midsummer. The plant is hardy in United States Department of Agricultural zones 4 to 7. Very little pruning is needed for the climbing hydrangea since it grows slowly.

Things You'll Need

• Hand pruners

Instructions

1. Wait until the flowers from the Korean hydrangea fade in the summer. Deadhead the faded flowers by cutting them off at the base of the flower's head.

2. Trim back any dead, damaged or diseased growth. Cut the stems back to 1 to 2 inches beyond the dead or damaged area.

3. Cut off any hydrangea growth that is growing where it shouldn't. Cut the vines back to the main woody center of the plant. Shape the vine to your preference.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Hydrangea; Marjan Kluepfel, et al.; April 2002
• Ohio State University Extension; Hydrangeas in the Landscape; Catherine Damm, et al.
• North Carolina State University; Pruning Hydrangeas; Dick Bir; May 23, 2002