Hydrangeas will grow faster and be more beautiful if you complete 1 simple task in August

August is a prime time in the garden. With flowers in full bloom and everything looking lush, it might feel like all the hard work in the garden is done. If you've got hydrangeas, however, there's one important task you shouldn't overlook next month.

of Sullivan Hardware & Garden said that August is the best time to tidy up hydrangeas, especially Hydrangea macrophylla varieties. In August, it's important to keep the plants well-watered and fertilised, but also to do a "little trimming" to support healthy growth and ensure strong blooms the following year.

By late summer, most hydrangea blooms have started to fade, but next year's buds are just beginning to form.

If you wait until autumn to do this, you might accidentally cut off those buds and lose a lot of colour in the following season, the expert highlighted.

A few careful snips in August can make all the difference. When trimming, focus on removing spent flowers and any weak, damaged, or crossing stems.

This not only directs the plant's energy toward next year's growth, but also improves airflow, which helps prevent disease.

However, make sure not to trim your plants too aggressively as you're not reshaping the entire plant, just giving it a refresh.

A good rule of thumb is to cut just above a healthy pair of leaves when removing old flower heads.

This gentle touch helps the plant stay healthy and strong going into autumn and winter.

Come spring, your hydrangeas will thank you with bigger, brighter, and more abundant blooms.

Do keep in mind that not all hydrangeas are the same. Panicle and smooth varieties bloom on new wood and can be pruned more heavily in late winter or early spring.

Bigleaf and lacecap hydrangeas, on the other hand, bloom on old wood. For these, August trimming is key to setting the stage for next year's flowers.