IME in the years I cut it down before it starts growing in early spring, my Annabelle ends up floppier due to softer wood on the new stems along with larger flower heads. Putting in a low fence around her works well.

I've had Annabelles for a few years and haven't pruned them yet. This year they did get so big with so many huge flowers that my structure didn't hold them up, so I'm going to try pruning them back. But I wouldn't do it every year for the reasons stated above.

Here's what worked for me to hold them up until this year: a peony cage placed in the center to hold up the middle, and then stakes/rubber-covered wire (even better than string because it doesn't slip) around the outside. The shrub gets so full you can't see any of it. Someone else suggested rebar (!) as a stronger alternative to wooden stakes, and I might be at that point next year!

Ok thanks for responding. I think I will just leave this shrub and prune in early spring.

I should have added that I so have stakes in addition to the string:)

Cheers,
Mira

I've read if you leave the dead growth in place rather than cutting it back, it supports the new growth and keeps it from drooping. I've been doing this with my Annabelles for years and it works! You may not like the look of the dead sticks in early spring but it's worth it - I think.

jemboysch -

I love it when my philosophy of lazy gardening proves useful in a situation like this. My Annabelle is in a back corner of my yard, still visually lovely, but far enough away to not see the dead sticks. LOL

I wonder if this is planted close to the foundation and is leaning out to get more sun. Your roof over hang may also be affecting it. Al