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Invasion of the Giant Annabelle-- pruning tips????

13 years ago

I planted annabelles about seven years ago. In spring I had always pruned them to about 18". They are so huge now they are probably 10' wide (They flop onto my neighbors property even). The flowers are enormous (15" for some)and so heavy. I read that strong spring pruning makes them more vigorous--not what I want.

Anyone have any ideas re pruning so that I could end up with a smaller, neater bush. I don't mind sacrificing flowering for a season. I just need to get these under control. Thanks so much

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Comment (1)

simcan
13 years ago
Perhaps a bit counterintuitively, you may want to stop pruning them...just deadhead and my understanding is that this will create stronger, more upright and woodier stems and smaller flowers. So I would suggest shovel pruning to a bush size you want and leave the rest alone.
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