Help ID

9 years ago

This was labeled Annabell but it doesn't look like the pictures of the flowers--these are more cone shaped and airy looking. It is huge--12' x 12" at least. I have a limelight down below it 50 feet or so and it has the more ball shaped flowers--it is also huge.

Do most people just let them get as big as they want or prune them back to a smaller bush (6' to 8')? I was thinking that I might need to restrain it a little. It is in a mixed border at the edge of the property and is over hanging some other bushes. There is a white bottle brush in this border and it also has gotten extremely large and I have been cleaning out the lower branches and suckers making it a little tree.

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luis_pr

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I see what you mean!!! I could not clearly make out the leaves but the shape of the blooms suggests another labeling error provided it was not a species H. arborescens. I lean more towards a paniculata because the leaves appear small for an Annabelle (many were bent so it was difficult trying to classify them). The blooms in the 2nd pic look panicle shaped, another reason for thinking it is a paniculata.

I hate when that happens. That is how I ended with a lacecap "version" of Nikko Blue. Ha!!

To restrain it, you may need to prune "a lot" as some panics tend to "recover" in just one year. You may have to experiment to see what works best for you. I would try around 3' to 5' if it is 12' now. But better yet, consider transplanting it or you may have an annual gardening chore...

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Comments (6)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I agree that it is a H. paniculata cultivar and that they are difficult to control as far as size since they regrow so quickly.

It appears to be one of the lacier types, and a combination of when it started blooming, how long it stays white, and how it changes over to pink will help determine which one. Perhaps Pinky Winky or Pink Diamond since it's large and has more conical shaped panicles.
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October_Gardens
9 years ago
Could be something like Unique as well. Without a proper tag a lacy paniculata can be difficult to ID.

If you want to control the size a *bit* try pruning to 3' in early Spring. But expect a size rebound. Tried that with my Great Star and it's back to 9', but the overall structure looks less gangly / more attractive.
frankielynnsie
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the info. Could it be Tardiva? It looks like the pictures of Tardiva and it said it was introduced in the early 1990's which would be around the right time. I have had it since 1995 I think. I was thinking I might just raise up the bottom a little for now and trim it a little in spring. I have a clematis planted under it and want it to thrive.
luis_pr
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Depends on when the picture was taken. Tardiva is a very late bloomer, maybe the latest paniculata to bloom. I do not have it but kind of expect it to bloom around August. If your picture is recent, it "feels" as if it has bloomed a tad early. But hey, never say never, right? Other factors can also affect blooming time.
frankielynnsie
Original Author
9 years ago
It has been blooming for the last 3 weeks, same as limelight, so not a late bloomer. What ever she is, she is pretty every year.