Sometimes, a plant outgrows its space. If that plant is a hydrangea, gardeners are eager to give it the perfect treatment to prevent any damage and often, to keep as many flowers as possible. After all, a blooming hydrangea is simply remarkable! There are three main reasons a hydrangea might outgrow its space:
If you’re open to transplanting it, go through this list and skip the rest of the article. However, if you want to keep the plant where it is, you can regularly prune it to maintain a desirable size.
Before you move forward with the pruners, it’s good to know what size the hydrangea is supposed to be. That will help you understand if the battle is meant to go on forever or if the plant just needs a hard prune now and periodic help down the road.
How to Divide Overgrown Hydrangeas
If you have hydrangeas in your garden you likely know they are a gorgeous spring and summer shrub. With their myriad of colors hydrangeas bring beauty to any outdoor space. As they continue to grow over time, you may find your hydrangeas become overgrown and unruly. The great news is you can divide overgrown hydrangeas to rejuvenate them and keep their size under control. Read on to learn all about dividing hydrangeas, from when to do it and what tools you need, to how to replant divisions for the best results.
Why Divide Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas grow rapidly and require ample room to reach their full size potential. Eventually they can outgrow their space and become crowded. Dividing oversized hydrangeas helps in a few key ways:
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Reinvigorates the plant and improves flowering. Dividing stimulates new growth and more blooms
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Prevents overcrowding. Dividing reduces competition between stems for nutrients and sunlight.
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Allows you to multiply your plants. Dividing lets you expand your hydrangea collection for free.
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Controls size. Dividing is an alternative to frequent pruning to keep hydrangeas from becoming overgrown.
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Improves soil nutrition and aeration. Dividing opens up the root zone.
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Rejuvenates old, neglected plants. Dividing gives new life to tired, woody shrubs.
When to Divide Hydrangeas
Early spring before growth resumes or late fall after leaves drop are the best times for dividing hydrangeas. This reduces stress and gives divisions the cool conditions they need to establish roots. Avoid dividing in summer when hot weather can shock transplants.
Every 2-3 years is a good timeframe for maintenance dividing. But only divide when plants are clearly oversized and flowering declines noticeably. Healthy hydrangeas growing well may not need division.
Supplies Needed
Gather these supplies before getting started:
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Shovel and/or garden fork
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Hand pruners or loppers
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Heavy duty knife for cutting thick roots
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Twine or rope for tying stems
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Potting soil, compost, aged manure
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Mulch like straw or wood chips
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Wheelbarrow for moving divisions
Steps for Dividing Hydrangeas
Follow these simple steps for successfully dividing overgrown hydrangeas:
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Remove debris around the plant and prune back any long stems to prepare for digging.
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Water the plant 1-2 days before dividing to moisten soil.
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Dig a trench around the perimeter about 1-2 feet from the stems. Slice through surface roots with shovel.
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Lever the main shrub from the ground, taking care not to damage roots.
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Lay the plant on its side. Slice the root ball into segments with 3-5 stems each. Discard any without enough roots.
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Space planting holes for divisions 3-5 feet apart. Backfill with soil/compost mix.
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Water divisions thoroughly after replanting. Continue regular watering while they establish.
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Spread 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
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Stake floppy stems of tall divisions for support until stronger.
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Hold off fertilizing until new growth emerges in spring.
Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare ensures divided hydrangeas recover and flourish in their new locations:
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Don’t let divisions wilt.
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Check for signs of transplant shock like leaf curling or wilting. It normally lasts only 1-2 weeks.
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Wait until the following season to prune divisions. Removing faded flowers is ok.
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Apply fresh mulch each year. Organic mulches like wood chips work great.
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Resume normal fertilizing in spring once plants are established. Use a balanced organic fertilizer.
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Monitor for pests like aphids or diseases. Treat any issues promptly.
Dividing Overgrown Hydrangeas Made Simple
With the right approach and timing, dividing overgrown hydrangeas is a straightforward process. Pay close attention to aftercare while new divisions develop their root systems and acclimate. But before long your revitalized hydrangeas will reward you with vigorous growth and bountiful blooms. Dividing oversized plants allows you to expand your garden collection free of charge.
4 – Panicle hydrangea
These flowers are formed on new wood. The plant will put out growth during the growing season and the flowers will come from it. Mistiming pruning is not a big issue with this plant, it’s a lot more forgiving.
See the flowers You can cut back in the spring or in summer after you’ve enjoyed the show.
Don’t care about flowers The ideal time to prune is spring when it’s breaking dormancy.
Time is of the essence Wait to cut it back until fall, after it’s gone dormant.
Know the Hydrangea Type
Each type of hydrangea benefits from individualized care. The timing can either damage it or keep it healthy, just smaller. There are three things that you might consider in terms of timing – whether you want to see the flowers, don’t care about flowers, or are just eager to get them pruned. No matter the type, be prepared to prune a bit more if the plant shoots out an abundance of new growth immediately afterward. Cut any gangly stems back by half.
Get Endless Free Plants | How to Divide Endless Summer Hydrangeas
FAQ
What to do when a hydrangea gets too big?
“Cutting back the plants to 15 to 18 inches in the late winter will encourage new growth from the ground up, while the older stems can help provide support …Aug 27, 2020
What time of year can you divide hydrangeas?
If you’re looking to split your hydrangea, timing is key. The best time to do it is in the early spring, just as new growth is starting to emerge, or later in the fall before the plant goes dormant. Avoid dividing your hydrangea in summer because it is too hot for the plant to establish a good root system.
What is the 1 3 rule for hydrangeas?
There are certain instances when pruning Hydrangeas can be helpful: All dead stems should be removed from hydrangeas every year. After the plants are at least 5 years old, about 1/3 of the older (living) stems can be removed down to the ground each summer. This will revitalize the plant.
What month do you transplant hydrangeas?
Late winter, early spring is the perfect time to transplant hydrangeas. You’ll want to do it as soon as the ground can be worked, while your hydrangea is in dormancy or just breaking dormancy.
How do you divide a Hydrangea plant?
Choose the Dividing Method Hydrangeas can be divided using two primary methods: by division or by layering. The division method involves digging up the entire plant, dividing it into smaller sections, and replanting each section.
Should you divide hydrangeas?
By dividing hydrangeas, you can propagate new plants and fill in empty spaces in your garden. This allows you to maximize the available area and create a more vibrant and diverse landscape. Furthermore, dividing hydrangeas promotes plant health and rejuvenation.
When should you divide a bigleaf hydrangea?
For bigleaf hydrangeas, the best time to divide them is in early spring, right when new green buds are starting to swell. This timing allows the plant to take advantage of its active growth phase for a better chance at successful division.
Can hydrangeas be divided and transplanted?
Dividing and transplanting hydrangeas can revitalize overcrowded plants, promote better growth, and offer the opportunity to propagate new specimens. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above and performing the procedure during the plant’s dormant season, you can successfully divide and transplant your hydrangeas.
When should hydrangeas be split?
These are perfect for splitting. The best time to divide your hydrangea is in the fall when the leaves have already fallen and your bush is preparing to go into its dormancy. The alternative time frame is the beginning of Spring right before any new growth appears. So these are the only two times that you should start dividing your hydrangea.
How do you replant a hydrangea?
Divide the hydrangea into smaller sections, making sure each division has healthy roots. After division, **replant the new sections** in a prepared hole, ensuring they are at the same depth as before. Water them thoroughly and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.