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Minnesota 'Snowball winter pruning #855902

Asked November 29, 2023, 4:17 PM EST

Older plants here, spread easily, not tree like but basically just canes about 5 feet tall. White. When attempting to look up this shrub, I always find info for Zone 6,7,8 etc and none discuss pruning. Basic question: should I trim them back to ground or thin them back to ground if I want a full flowering group of shrubs next year. Or just remove blooms now (December 1 is tomorrow) . Does spring growth come from existing stalks? Lastly, what is the scientific name fir this common shrub? They are very hardy and happy and carefree.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Peter,

Are you referring to the Annabelle Hydrangea ? I'm not sure what "Snowball" is.

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/when-prune-hydrangeas-best-bloom

If you are talking about the Annabelle Hydrangea it's okay to prune it all though you might want to consider just pruning the dead canes out. It is a smooth hydrangea. 

https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=332304

I'm not quite clear on the issue ? Are they not blooming or just spreading too much ?

You do not need to cut off old blooms, leave them for winter interest.


I hope these links help you,

Sally Granath,

St. Louis County, MG


An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 01, 2023, 8:23 PM EST
Thank you for the info. I think I am talking about the Annabelle, we have a line of 20' x 8' of them along the east side of the house where they get mixed light/water and are thriving very well on their own with little interference from me. They bloom perfectly fine, I have no reason to disturb or transplant them.

What concerns me is the large amount of dead or dead looking canes now that winter is upon us. If I cut them down to several inches will they produce new canes sufficient enough to flower?  Or come spring will we have profuse growth amidst a lot of dead canes and old flower heads? Or third choice should I just thin this bank of shrubs by cutting say 1/3 back this winter? From the info I have received, I understand that the grow new wood but I am not sure if this applies to zone 4.

Thanks.


On Fri, Dec 1, 2023, 19:23 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 02, 2023, 2:06 AM EST

Peter,

I would suggest cutting them back by two thirds of their height. Leave about one and a half feet of of plant standing. You can do this at any point over the winter or very early spring (before the plants start to grow).

This clears out lots of the dead canes , but also leave some structure to help hold up next years canes as they grow.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 03, 2023, 8:00 AM EST
Thank you

On Sun, Dec 3, 2023, 07:00 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 03, 2023, 8:58 AM EST

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