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What’s Going on Here

8 years ago

My small hydrangea tree has split into three trunks. I’ve looked around the neighborhood at others and they all stem from just one trunk.
Why has this happened? Can I split it and re-plant?

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Comments (5)

Embothrium
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
This didn't just happen, if you wanted a single trunk (and it had a single trunk when you planted it) you should have cut the other two off when they were little. Now, being larger and more robust than the central section they make up more than 2/3 of the top. So if you really want one stem you are going to have to cut the two side ones off, settle for how that leaves the specimen.

And no you can't divide it and replant, the 3 main stems are all coming from a common base - if it were a rose plant this base might be called a bud head.
Trem Wills
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your response. I wasn’t insinuating that this just happened overnight. My question was more around why, as I don’t see any others that look like this.
Embothrium
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The single stem tree shape is a result of pruning and training and not the natural habit of the plant. There are plenty of Hydrangea paniculata sold and planted that have this multi-stemmed bush structure that is normal for the species.
Trem Wills
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for explaining. I appreciate the help.
I’m going to cut the right side for sure and see how things go.
luis_pr
8 years ago
Indeed, think of others with this look... like Crape Myrtles and Lilacs.

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