Hydrangea Pruning

[calda49]

Do I prune the mopheads before the winter or leave it until the spring. Friends I have asked seem divided as to when is best. I am not a brilliant gardener so advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Buenchico]

Quote (from the RHS website):
"Dead blooms on mophead hydrangeas can, in mild areas, be removed just after flowering, but it is best to leave them on the plant over winter to provide some frost protection for the tender growth buds below. Remove the dead flowerheads in early spring, cutting back the stem to the first strong, healthy pair of buds down from the faded bloom"

Source:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=516

[murraymints]

I leave mine 'till early spring

[Chipchopper]

Not knowing what kind of winter is in store, I'd play safe and leave it til spring.
The small canopy the the mope heads provide, must offer some frost protection.

[woofgang]

and they look lovely with frost on

[Prudie]

I've never known anyone advise anything other than leave them on right through the winter until most frost is over.

[maggiebee]

Leave the heads on until Spring when you see the new shoots growing.