is something that greatly benefits and will keep them looking tip-top.

Pruning maintains a manageable size and attractive shape for hydrangeas and encourages a more impressive bloom by prompting the to sprout fresh shoots.

Lee Burkhill, the acclaimed designer, face of BBC 1's Rescue and the man behind the website, insists that pruning hydrangeas is "essential" for maximising their potential.

This process thins out the clusters, allowing the plant to channel extra energy into fewer blooms, which results in "larger, more beautiful flowers".

Yet, before gardeners get snipping, it's crucial to pinpoint the optimal time for pruning.

For hydrangeas that set their blossoms on old wood or growth from the previous year, late summer is the "correct time" for pruning and a gentle tidy-up.

However, varieties that flower on new wood or the current year's growth are best pruned from late winter to early spring, cutting back to buds facing outwards and annually clearing out older stems.

According to Lee, pruning hydrangeas "couldn't be simpler and requires very little". Just arm yourself with a pair of clean, sharp secateurs, and you're all set for the task.

The initial step involves getting rid of all the dead seed heads. He explained: "I take these back just above the next set of green buds, which are emerging. I do this first before thinning or reducing the height of the shrub as it gives me a better view of the overall shrub size and shape."

Next up, garden enthusiasts should aim to eliminate a quarter of the oldest stems. This action can boost your hydrangea's productivity by redirecting energy towards fresh growth.

Lee further elaborated: "Over time, older stems will get longer and less productive, leading to potential bare patches and less productive displays."

After you've dealt with the flower heads and pruned some of the older stems, the next move is to declutter any overcrowded growth or intersecting branches. These are more prone to damage.

Plus, flowers that might sprout in these entangled areas could get squashed or sustain damage.

Stems that are damaged may be broken or show signs of black dieback, both of which necessitate removal. Either trim back to the next healthy bud down or remove to the ground if required.

Once you've cleared out the damaged, diseased or dead wood, and you've removed a quarter of the oldest stems, it's time to prune for flowers.

Trim the top third of hydrangea growth back to a fresh bud or leaf node. By pruning just above the bud, you're aiding in maintaining the hydrangea compact and sturdy.

If left unattended, although it may bloom, it often becomes top-heavy and appears bare further down.

Once you're done, you should have a spacious, well-ventilated shrub with ample airflow and no intersecting stems.