On Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:05:21 -0700 (PDT), Judith in France
wrote:

On Oct 15, 8:42*am, bob wrote:
On Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:37:18 -0700 (PDT), Judith in France



wrote:
On Oct 14, 9:33*am, bob wrote:
I've got a huge one. *It's looming over and starving its neighbours of
light so I'd like to make it more compact but I've no idea how to
prune this. *For the last two years I've followed my instincts but it
seems to want to get bigger and bigger.

Could anyone offer any tips? *At this stage I don't really mind
sacrificing next years flowers if I can bring it under control. *

Also leaves are currently very pale. *Is this an acid lover requiring
the same treatment as the azaleas?

Thanks for any insight.

I hack mine right back without problem, I have Japaneze Hydrangea. *I
have taken about a dozen cuttings and they have all rooted, no loss at
all. *I just plunge them several inches into the soil in a protected
position leaving only 1 inch of topgrowth. *I give most away every
Spring but I may well move a mature shrub and replant with a new one.
I find they are almost indestructible. *I give mine a feed once a year
and I buy a powdered supplement especially for Hydrangea.

Judith

Judith

Thanks, Judith - perhaps this is the only answer; a cycle of cuttings
and destroying the old plant.

Would you hack back now or wait until spring?

Just popping in for a minute today :-) I would hack back now, some
people wait until the end of the month, I ensure I have all my
cuttings done the week of All Souls, whenever it occurs in Autumn.
Treat the cuttings roughtly, tear off the lower leaves leaving just a
couple at the top.

Judith

Sounds good, this has given me the confidence to cut back mercilessly.
Will do as you do.

Thanks again.