Does this need to be pruned in early Spring each year for it to bloom well? I was thinking of not pruning it atleast for the first couple of years or so, allowing it to grow in size.

Though I have a very large perennial garden, this is my first Hydrangea. The branches are upright now but will the branches cascade as it ages?

Thanks again, and any other advice is most appreciated!

Shelli

Thanks

Paniculatas (PG/Limelight types) can be pruned in the fall, winter, or spring. However, it is not necessary to prune them every year. It is suggested that one trim out crossing branches and those that do not contribute to an attractive form whenever necessary.

Paniculata hydrangeas are the only hydrangeas that can be pruned into a tree-form. If one is attempting to grow a paniculata as a tree, the developing trunk and main top branches should not be removed. If a panicultata that is trained into a tree-form is cut or broken off close to the ground, it will grow back as a shrub unless the training and pruning is started again from the new shoots.

Thanks again, and any other advice is most appreciated!
Nothing to add but my Limelight grown as a shrub is big, beautiful, and pretty carefree. I just wish it wasn't located in the middle of a flower bed, since it has gotten so large and there are so many other 'better' locations for it.

Sue