Proper timing and techniques are decisive when pruning " Nikko Blue " hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla " Nikko Blue " ) , if you contrive to delight its renowned blue blossoms . Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9 , " Nikko Blue " flower primarily on stems from the premature year . understand what that mean for pruning and using the trait to your advantage helps ensure prolific blue prime on schedule .
Step 1
Flowering shrubs deviate in where and when they develop buds that finally become flowers . Some bloom in late summertime or fall on new base grown during the current year , but others bloom originally from bud that developed late in the previous growing time of year . " Nikko Blue " hydrangea bloom thinly on new prow , butthe majority of this classic hydrangea ’s bloom make out from buds set during the previous year . Unless those buds — and the previous stem that carry them — survive winter and your pruning efforts , the works loses its heavy heyday of flowers .
How Goals Affect Pruning
Set a specific goal before you prune . Your purpose determines when , what and how you proceed . “Nikko gloomy " flourishes with minimum treatment ; rabid pruning reduces flowering and increment . If enhance flowering is your primary objective with an otherwise healthy " Nikko Blue , " keep pruners in their holster ; less is honorable . fix bush size of it , influence and thinning the plant or rejuvenating a overlook " Nikko Blue " warrant more rigorous approaching . Whatever your finish , call back that peak string up in the balance . Each stem you remove potentially remove the class ’s efflorescence too .
Step 2
When to Prune Your “Nikko Blue”
Because " Nikko Blue " blooms heaviest on previous Ellen Price Wood , prune directly after its former - summer blossoming ends . This remove stemsbeforenext year ’s bloom buds work . hold off too tardily , and you move out new buds ; they ’re present long before you see them . In addition , belated pruning stimulates growth , which detain dormancy and reduce cold-blooded hardiness . Remove numb or discredited woodwind , particularly stem wind kill over winter , in other spring . This airt energy to surviving bud . Rejuvenate " Nikko Blue " by cutting one - third of the branches back to the ground during tardy - wintertime quiescence ; repeat the process the next two days . torpid pruning forfeit the yr ’s heyday , except for light flush on newfangled wood , but bloom come back the following season .
How to Prune Properly
Successful pruning reckon on the correct tools and technique . Sharp bypass pruners deliver neat , frosty cuts on " Nikko Blue " branches 1/2 in in diameter or smaller . Angle your cutting off approximately 1/4 in above a healthy set of leave of absence or buds . For prominent stems , long - do by bypass loppers provide extra purchase . Use a keen pruning experience for anything over 1 inch in diameter . Disinfect your pruning implements with house antimicrobial before and after you crop your hydrangea . If you suspect disease or louse pestilence , disinfect the blade after each pruning cut . This stamp down the paste to other parts of your " Nikko Blue " and to other garden plants .
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