Thank you for that info. If I feel they are spreading too much . How do I take out some completely to make my diameter smaller.

I grab the stems that are outside perimeter I want one at a time and tug them out of the ground. Then I use sharp pruners to cut each off approximately where I want the shrub to end up. Annabelle is an enthusiastic spreader and I need to do this at least every other year.

Simply cutting them off at ground level won’t make it smaller in diameter because the roots will send up new shoots. If you want more Annabelles, you can put the ripped out roots in a container of soil or transplant to where you want them and if not allowed to dry out, most will grow vigorously.

Thank you NHBabs, I spent a couple of hours today doing as you said. It was not easy but I think I will enjoy the outcome this summer. Thanks again.

Just curious, is it that easy to "tug them out of the ground"? I was wondering how to do the same thing as the OP.

Try one and see what you think. I started that way but since I had a fair amount to do my husband came along with a spade shovel and took out a few at a time. If I did this every year perhaps one at a time would be doable.

Mine is growing in fairly light sandy soil with no rocks. I am no longer a spring chickie, and I just tug and clip. But with other soil, it might be different.