Gardeners warns against common hydrangea mistake in September

0A gardener has settled the debate on when you should prune your hydrangeas (Image: ROBERTPETER via Getty Images)You may be tempted to prepare your garden for winter – but gardeninng experts suggest holding off just a bit longer before diving in.

Michael Griffiths, who goes by @michaelgriffiths on social media, has revealed his top recommendations for caring for hydrangea plants during autumn to ensure they flourish next year.

While his guidance differs according to the hydrangea variety you're growing, he typically advises leaving your plants untouched in September, as the blooms can maintain their appeal throughout autumn – albeit in a transformed state.

However, for those who prefer not to view their plants once they've peaked, Michael notes there are certain varieties suitable for pruning.

He said: "The ones you can prune are your smooth or panicle hydrangeas – like Annabelles."

Since these varieties produce flowers on new wood, he clarified that you can trim them back to just above a pair of buds. Nevertheless, he cautioned gardeners against reaching for their secateurs with other varieties.

"For your bigleaf and oakleaf varieties that flower on old wood, put the secateurs away. It's not time to prune them yet," he added.

His recommendations generated considerable debate amongst fellow gardening enthusiasts, with some recounting their own hydrangea cultivation experiences.

One user said: "I'm shook my big leaf just produced 4 new flowers on new wood. So confusing!" Another added: "Mine haven't bloomed in 2 years after 5 years of blooms! What have I done wrong! Help."

A third asked: "I have Annabelles and want really big heads next year, how far down is best to prune them? This year I got lots of small heads so think I didn't do a hard enough prune of them maybe?".

One gardener revealed their extensive experience, commenting: "My Annabelles are 22 years old.

"I cut them down to about 8 inches every fall and they always come back beautifully. Some of the blooms have been over 12" wide."

Another added: "Mine didn't like this heat wave. Not looking good but will survive."

Plant spring bulbs: Plant daffodils, tulips, and crocuses in September and October so roots establish before winter.

Care for your lawn: Scarify to remove thatch, aerate compacted soil with a fork, apply an autumn-specific fertiliser high in potassium, and raise your mower blades for the final mow.

Clear debris and leaves: Rake up fallen leaves regularly to maintain airflow and prevent disease, leaving small piles behind for overwintering wildlife.

Prune and divide perennials: Cut back dead foliage on herbaceous perennials and divide congested clumps (such as asters and daylilies) to encourage healthy spring growth.

Trim hedges and roses: Give deciduous hedges a final trim and prune rambling roses after they finish flowering.

Protect tender plants: Move tender plants and dahlias into a greenhouse or sheltered area, and add a layer of mulch around plant bases to insulate the soil