How to Prune Lacecap Hydrangeas: A Comprehensive Guide
Lacecap hydrangeas ( *Hydrangea macrophylla* lacecap varieties) are prized for their delicate, flattened flower heads that consist of a central cluster of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, showy sterile florets. These elegant shrubs add beauty to any garden, but proper pruning is essential for maintaining their health, shape, and abundant blooms. Unlike some other hydrangea species, lacecaps bloom on old wood, which means they set their flower buds in the late summer and fall for the following year’s blooms. Therefore, incorrect pruning can severely reduce or eliminate flowering. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices for pruning lacecap hydrangeas, ensuring you enjoy their stunning flowers year after year.
## Understanding Lacecap Hydrangea Growth
Before diving into the specifics of pruning, it’s crucial to understand how lacecap hydrangeas grow and bloom. As mentioned, they bloom on *old wood*, which refers to the stems that grew in the previous season. These stems develop flower buds in late summer or early fall. Pruning too late in the season or in early spring can remove these developing buds, resulting in fewer or no flowers.
Some newer varieties are remontant, also known as reblooming or everblooming hydrangeas. These varieties bloom on both old and new wood, offering more flexibility in pruning. However, even with remontant varieties, understanding the basics of old wood blooming is essential for maximizing their flowering potential.
**Key Considerations:**
* **Bloom Time:** Lacecap hydrangeas typically bloom in late spring or early summer.
* **Old Wood Bloomers:** They set flower buds on the previous year’s growth.
* **Remontant Varieties:** Some varieties bloom on both old and new wood.
* **Pruning Timing:** The timing of pruning is critical to avoid removing flower buds.
## Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin pruning, gather the necessary tools to ensure a clean and efficient process. Here’s a list of essential tools:
* **Sharp Pruning Shears:** Use bypass pruners for clean cuts. Avoid anvil pruners, which can crush stems.
* **Loppers:** For thicker branches that are too large for pruning shears.
* **Hand Saw:** For very thick, old branches that are difficult to cut with loppers.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands from thorns and potential irritants.
* **Eye Protection:** To shield your eyes from flying debris.
* **Rubbing Alcohol or Bleach Solution:** To disinfect your tools between cuts and plants.
* **Tarp or Garden Waste Bag:** To collect pruned branches and leaves.
**Tool Maintenance:**
* **Sharpen Your Tools:** Sharp tools make cleaner cuts, which heal faster and reduce the risk of disease.
* **Disinfect Your Tools:** Dip your pruning tools in a solution of rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) before and after pruning each plant. This helps prevent the spread of diseases.
## Timing is Everything: When to Prune Lacecap Hydrangeas
The best time to prune lacecap hydrangeas is *immediately* after they finish blooming in late summer. This gives the plant ample time to set new buds for the following year. Avoid pruning in the fall, winter, or early spring, as you risk removing the flower buds.
**Specific Timing Guidelines:**
* **Late Summer (After Blooming):** This is the ideal time to prune. Remove spent flowers and any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
* **Early Spring (Only for Dead or Damaged Wood):** If you notice any dead or damaged branches in early spring, you can remove them. However, be very careful not to prune any healthy stems that may have flower buds.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning Lacecap Hydrangeas
Follow these steps to prune your lacecap hydrangeas correctly:
**Step 1: Assess the Plant**
Before making any cuts, take a step back and assess the overall shape and health of the hydrangea. Look for:
* **Dead Wood:** Branches that are dry, brittle, and show no signs of life.
* **Damaged Wood:** Branches that are broken, cracked, or diseased.
* **Crossing Branches:** Branches that rub against each other, which can create wounds and allow pests or diseases to enter.
* **Weak or Thin Stems:** Stems that are spindly and don’t produce many flowers.
* **Spent Flowers:** Old flower heads that have faded and turned brown.
**Step 2: Remove Dead, Damaged, and Diseased Wood**
This is the most important part of pruning. Use your sharp pruning shears or loppers to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut back to healthy wood, making sure to cut at a slight angle just above a node (where a leaf or branch emerges).
* **Dead Wood:** Cut back to the base of the plant or to a healthy lateral branch.
* **Damaged Wood:** Cut back to healthy, undamaged wood.
* **Diseased Wood:** Dispose of diseased branches properly to prevent the spread of disease. Do not compost them.
**Step 3: Remove Crossing Branches**
Crossing branches can create wounds and allow pests and diseases to enter the plant. Remove one of the crossing branches, choosing the weaker or less desirable one. Make the cut close to the point where the branch originates.
**Step 4: Thin Out Weak or Thin Stems**
Thin, weak stems are unlikely to produce many flowers and can detract from the overall appearance of the plant. Remove some of these stems to encourage stronger growth and better flowering on the remaining stems. Cut them back to the base of the plant.
**Step 5: Deadhead Spent Flowers**
Deadheading involves removing the old, faded flower heads. This not only improves the appearance of the plant but also encourages it to put more energy into producing new growth and potentially more flowers (especially in remontant varieties). Cut the stem just below the flower head, above the first set of healthy leaves.
**Step 6: Shape the Plant (Optional and Cautious)**
If you want to shape the plant, do so sparingly. Remember that lacecap hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so excessive pruning can reduce flowering. Focus on removing any stems that are growing in undesirable directions or that are making the plant too dense. Aim for an open, airy shape.
* **Avoid Topping:** Do not simply cut off the tops of the stems, as this can create an unnatural appearance and reduce flowering.
* **Selective Pruning:** Remove individual stems to maintain the plant’s natural shape.
**Step 7: Clean Up and Dispose of Debris**
Gather all the pruned branches and leaves and dispose of them properly. Do not leave them lying around the plant, as they can harbor pests and diseases.
**Step 8: Fertilize (Optional)**
After pruning, you can fertilize your lacecap hydrangea to encourage new growth. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for hydrangeas, following the instructions on the label.
## Pruning Remontant (Reblooming) Lacecap Hydrangeas
Remontant lacecap hydrangeas offer more flexibility in pruning because they bloom on both old and new wood. This means you can prune them more aggressively without completely sacrificing flowers. However, it’s still important to prune them correctly to maximize their flowering potential.
**Key Differences in Pruning Remontant Varieties:**
* **Less Hesitation:** You can be less hesitant about removing older stems, as new stems will also produce flowers.
* **Deadheading is More Important:** Deadheading spent flowers encourages the plant to produce new blooms on new wood.
* **Pruning for Size Control:** If you need to control the size of the plant, you can prune it more heavily in late winter or early spring, but be aware that you may sacrifice some of the early blooms on old wood.
**Recommended Pruning Practices for Remontant Lacecaps:**
1. **Remove Dead, Damaged, and Diseased Wood:** As with all hydrangeas, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood as soon as you notice it.
2. **Deadhead Regularly:** Deadhead spent flowers frequently throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering.
3. **Thin Out Old Stems:** Every year, remove a few of the oldest stems to the base of the plant to encourage new growth. This will help keep the plant vigorous and productive.
4. **Shape Lightly (If Needed):** If you need to shape the plant, do so sparingly. Avoid topping the stems, and focus on removing individual stems to maintain a natural shape.
## Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
* **Pruning at the Wrong Time:** Pruning in the fall, winter, or early spring can remove flower buds.
* **Pruning Too Heavily:** Over-pruning can reduce flowering and weaken the plant.
* **Topping the Stems:** Topping creates an unnatural appearance and reduces flowering.
* **Using Dull Tools:** Dull tools make jagged cuts that heal slowly and increase the risk of disease.
* **Not Disinfecting Tools:** Failing to disinfect tools can spread diseases from one plant to another.
* **Ignoring Dead Wood:** Leaving dead wood on the plant can harbor pests and diseases.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
* **No Flowers:** If your lacecap hydrangea isn’t flowering, it could be due to incorrect pruning, winter damage, or lack of sunlight. Ensure you’re pruning at the right time and protect the plant from harsh winter weather.
* **Few Flowers:** If your plant is producing only a few flowers, it could be due to insufficient fertilization, lack of water, or pest infestation. Provide adequate care and address any pest problems promptly.
* **Yellowing Leaves:** Yellowing leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or pest infestation. Adjust your watering and fertilization practices, and check for pests.
## Tips for Healthy Lacecap Hydrangeas
In addition to proper pruning, here are some tips for keeping your lacecap hydrangeas healthy and thriving:
* **Plant in the Right Location:** Lacecap hydrangeas prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates. Avoid planting them in full sun, which can scorch their leaves.
* **Provide Well-Draining Soil:** Hydrangeas need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic materials before planting.
* **Water Regularly:** Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
* **Fertilize Annually:** Fertilize your hydrangeas in the spring with a fertilizer specifically formulated for them. Follow the instructions on the label.
* **Protect from Winter Damage:** In cold climates, protect your hydrangeas from winter damage by mulching around the base of the plant and wrapping the stems with burlap.
* **Monitor for Pests and Diseases:** Regularly inspect your hydrangeas for pests and diseases, and take action promptly if you notice any problems.
## Propagating Lacecap Hydrangeas
If you want to expand your collection of lacecap hydrangeas, you can propagate them from stem cuttings. Here’s how:
1. **Take Cuttings:** In late spring or early summer, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from new growth. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
2. **Dip in Rooting Hormone:** Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
3. **Plant in Potting Mix:** Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
4. **Keep Moist:** Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or humidity dome to create a humid environment.
5. **Rooting:** After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the stem. If it resists, it has rooted.
6. **Transplant:** Once the cutting has developed a good root system, you can transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
## Choosing the Right Lacecap Hydrangea Variety
When selecting a lacecap hydrangea, consider the following factors:
* **Size:** Choose a variety that will fit comfortably in your garden space.
* **Flower Color:** Lacecap hydrangeas come in a range of colors, including pink, blue, purple, and white. The flower color is often influenced by the soil pH.
* **Remontant or Non-Remontant:** Decide whether you want a remontant (reblooming) variety or a non-remontant variety.
* **Hardiness:** Choose a variety that is hardy in your climate.
**Popular Lacecap Hydrangea Varieties:**
* **’Twist-n-Shout’:** A popular remontant variety with pink or blue flowers, depending on soil pH.
* **’Blue Wave’:** A classic lacecap variety with large, blue flower heads in acidic soil.
* **’White Wave’:** A beautiful variety with pure white flowers.
* **’Lady in Red’:** Features red stems and pink or blue flowers.
* **’Pia’:** A compact variety with pink flowers.
## Conclusion
Pruning lacecap hydrangeas may seem daunting, but by following these guidelines, you can confidently maintain the health, shape, and beauty of your plants. Remember to prune at the right time, use the right tools, and avoid common mistakes. With proper care and attention, your lacecap hydrangeas will reward you with stunning flowers year after year, adding elegance and charm to your garden.
By understanding the specific needs of lacecap hydrangeas, including their old wood blooming habit and the nuances of remontant varieties, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your plants thriving. Happy gardening!