Identifying your hydrangea variety using the leaves and growth pattern! * Oakleaf hydrangeas/ hydrangea quercifolia - Leaves are shaped like an oakleaf - Blooms on old wood - Hand off unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, prune in summer directly after they bloom * Panicle hydrangeas/ hydrangea Paniculata - Three leaves coming off a single node on a lower area of a main stem - Blooms on new wood - Prune after full dormancy through early spring - All hydrangea tree varieties * Smooth hydrang