How to prune hydrangea 'incrediball'

Late winter to early spring (March–April), just before new growth emerges. Cut all stems back to 12–18 inches for a mid-height plant, or harder to 6–12 inches for the sturdiest stems on an established shrub. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches entirely at the base. Avoid fall pruning, which exposes cut stems to winter damage.

Annually in late winter or early spring. Incrediball hydrangea (H. arborescens) blooms on new wood and is very easy to prune. Cut stems back hard — to 12–24 inches from the ground — each late winter or early spring. Hard pruning produces the strongest stems to support Incrediball's characteristically giant flower heads without flopping.

Cut all stems back to 12–18 inches for a mid-height plant, or harder to 6–12 inches for the sturdiest stems on an established shrub. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches entirely at the base. Avoid fall pruning, which exposes cut stems to winter damage.