Before pruning your hydrangeas, look online to identify which type of hydrangea you have so you can determine whether it blooms on old or new wood. For example, species such as lacecap hydrangeas bloom on old wood, while limelight and Annabelle hydrangeas bloom on new wood. For shrubs that bloom on old wood, cut off flowers as soon as they begin to fade in mid-summer and trim old stems to encourage new growth. If you have a shrub that blooms on new wood, cut the stems back by 1/3 in late winter and remove any dead canes. For tips from our horticulture critic on how to prune your hydrangea for a sturdier plant with smaller flowers, read on!