- 1). Prune spindly branches after the plant finishes blooming. Leave about two-thirds of the length. Make cuts from 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from nodes from which leaves or buds grow.
- 2). Cut your hydrangea 18 to 24 inches from ground level in winter when the plant is dormant. This creates sturdier branches that will better support flower heads the following spring.
- 3). Remove all branches that are dead or damaged to encourage the strength of healthy branches. Cut dead and damaged branches to the ground at any time of year.
- 4). Deadhead flower clusters or cut them to use in fresh or dried arrangements while they are in full bloom. Flowers will open after you cut them if they are almost ready to open on the plant.
- 5). Pound plant stakes into the ground around your hydrangea, and loosely tie the weaker branches to the stakes with plastic nursery tape or cloth strips.
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