Hydrangeas will 'be even bigger' in spring if 'essential' tasks are done now

Hydrangeas are not only winter-hardy but with a few simple tricks now, you can ensure a bountiful bloom come spring.

Though spring might feel like a distant dream, gardeners are being advised that with the cooler weather upon us, it's the ideal time to start prepping for an impressive display of hydrangea flowers next year.

Gardening experts at Blooming Backyard have shared three "essential" jobs that must be carried out in autumn if you want "stunning flower heads" next year, reports the Express. They said: "Hydrangeas, a traditional garden staple, are back in fashion in a big way. The stunning flower heads in a range of colours and shapes grace our gardens in summer and into autumn, depending on the variety.

"Unfortunately, their beauty doesn't last all year. Once the flowers and foliage die back in autumn, you'll need to head out into the garden for your annual hydrangea maintenance session. These tasks are vital to keeping your plants looking great and ensuring they come back even bigger and stronger the following year."

1. Prune

Hydrangeas, given enough time, can grow quite large and rapidly become unruly. If you're a fan of a well-kept garden, pruning will be essential.

However, pruning isn't as straightforward as grabbing some pruning shears and snipping a few stems. Incorrectly pruning the wrong type at the wrong time or in the wrong manner could completely ruin any chance of your plant blooming the following season.

Only hydrangeas that bloom in autumn should be pruned during this season. This includes varieties that bloom on new wood, such as Hydrangea paniculata or Hydrangea arborescens, also known as peegee hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas respectively.

Other crucial pruning steps, like removing faded flowers and dying branches, can be done at any time of the year. Always use a sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid damaging the branches and jeopardising new growth.

2. Tidy

With your hydrangea pruned and looking its best, it's time to tackle the task that most gardeners dread - tidying up. The process of cleaning up around the base of the plants can be a bit of a chore and requires some elbow grease, but it's essential for keeping your plants in good health.

Any debris left around the plants, particularly during autumn, can provide a perfect hiding place for harmful pests and diseases that will seize the opportunity to attack when the plant starts to grow again in spring. Make sure to clear away any fallen leaves and flowers from around the base of your plant.

Maintain this cleanliness throughout the season as more parts of the plant drop due to the chillier temperatures. As long as the plant is disease-free, you can toss all this waste onto your compost pile. Simultaneously, remove any branches lying on the ground.

This action will elevate the plant, enhance airflow at the base, and prevent diseases from taking root on decaying or rotting branches in contact with the soil. .

3. Mulch

For those living in colder areas with plenty of frost or harsh winters, it's essential to mulch as the cold weather sets in. This method insulates the soil and protects the roots from potential damage.

Mulching also aids in moisture retention and stops weed growth, which is especially important when temperatures begin to climb again in early spring. An organic layer of mulch, such as bark chips or straw, is ideal as they slowly break down into the soil over time. Around two inches should be sufficient for most climates, but in particularly cold regions, this layer can be made a bit thicker.