- 1). Prune hills-of-snow and oakleaf hydrangea varieties in fall once they finish blooming but before the first frost. Cut hills-of-snow back to a 1- to 3-foot height each fall. Prune out deadwood from oakleaf hydrangea and cut back the oldest branches by up to 1/3 their length to encourage new growth the following spring.
- 2). Tie florist's hydrangea, also called hortensia, shoots together with gardening twine in early winter after the first frost. Cover the plant in burlap to protect it from winter chill and wind.
- 3). Spread a 6-inch layer of winter mulch, such as leaves or straw, around the base of the plants. Cover the crown of the hydrangea to protect it from winter temperature fluctuations.
- 4). Prune all hydrangea varieties in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut out dead and damaged wood and cut back remaining branches to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub.
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