How to prune Strong Annabelle Hydrangea

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by silu, Apr 8, 2018.

  1. silu

    silu gardening easy...hmmm

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    I grow quite a few Hydrangeas, mainly Lace Cap as not very keen on the Mop Heads to be honest. I bought a Strong Annabelle a couple of years ago and it's done very well. I am not sure if you prune it the same as Lace Caps, ie just trim off the old flowers and down to new set of strong buds plus prune to the ground a few stems to encourage new stems. I have had a look on the net and there seems to be differing opinions. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. redstar

    redstar Total Gardener

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    just have the regular Annabelle. I cut it down to about knee high and be done with it. been there for years, keeps flowering big. and made some babies also. I also have mostly lace caps, and a couple cone type with lace in them. doubt you to worry with an Annabelle they are tough as nails.
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I bought mine the same time as you silu, I have done the same as Redstar, cut down to about 18 inches, but I am a novice. @shiney is the expert.
       
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        I don't really know about Strong Annabelle as I also only have the normal one. We tend to cut it down to about 6" - 9" but some people leave it longer so that the old stems act as a bit of a support. I think Strong Annabelle has been bred to try and get it to stay more upright.
         
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        • silu

          silu gardening easy...hmmm

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          Many thanks. Sounds like you definitely prune it harder than Lace Caps. I'll prune further than normal and see what happens. Yes @JWK good memory! Pleased with mine, flowered very well and plenty of growth. This will be it's 1st proper prune. The old flower heads were quite attractive during the winter. Good shrub as far as I can see.
           
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          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            Lace caps and Annabelle are totally different types of plants. Lace Caps flower from old wood and Annabelle flowers from new growth. :blue thumb:
             
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