How to prune Strong Annabelle Hydrangea

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.

 

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.

 

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.