How to prune hydrangea aspera 'villosa'

Early spring, once the risk of severe frost has passed (March to April). Cut spent flowerheads back to the first pair of plump, healthy buds below the dead flower. Remove any completely dead or damaged stems at the base. If the shrub is becoming too large, selectively remove the oldest stems at ground level rather than shearing the whole plant.

Annually (light); thinning every 3–4 years. Hydrangea aspera 'Villosa' blooms on old wood and needs only light pruning. Prune in early spring: remove dead stems and spent flowerheads down to the highest healthy buds. Avoid cutting back hard as you would a mophead — this removes this season's flower buds. The shrub is naturally large and architectural; work with that habit.

Cut spent flowerheads back to the first pair of plump, healthy buds below the dead flower. Remove any completely dead or damaged stems at the base. If the shrub is becoming too large, selectively remove the oldest stems at ground level rather than shearing the whole plant.