How to Trim Standard Hydrangea Rose Shrub Trees

Rose bushes and hydrangeas are flowering, perennial plants that, if properly cared for, will bring showy, colorful blooms to your garden year after year. Many rose bushes and hydrangeas can grow to large, tree-like sizes. Large rose bushes and hydrangeas are not trimmed and pruned so much to control the size but instead to promote the health of the plant. Prune rose bushes and hydrangeas in late spring, just as the plants are coming out of dormancy.

Pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any dead flowers that are still hanging on to the plant.
- 2
  Remove all dead branches using sharp pruners. Cut branches at angles just above the buds.
- 3
  Cut any suckers growing from the ground around the base of the plant.
- 4
  Prune branches inside the plant that are rubbing against each other, but avoid main stems. This will promote healthy airflow through the plant, which is especially important for larger plants, as a suffocated interior can invite disease and infestation. Try to cut older or thinner stems rather than newer or thicker stems. If you have a lacecap, mophead or oakleaf hydrangea, keep in mind that buds for upcoming flowers have already formed and any branches with green buds will decrease the plant's flower production.
- 5
  Shape the plant by trimming the ends of branches just above the first or second bud. Work from the top down.

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