Pranicle hydrangeas normally grow as a shrub that can grow up to two meters high and delights with its large flower spikes in bright colors. This shrub is usually supported by several shoots coming from the ground, but with a little patience you can also grow this type of hydrangea with a single trunk. We hereby provide you with instructions.
How do I train a panicle hydrangea as a trunk?
To train a panicle hydrangea as a trunk, select a main shoot when pruning, remove all branches and do not shorten the main stem. The following year, cut side branches and trunk to the desired height. Repeat the topiary cut every year in spring and also remove side shoots on the trunk.
Train standard trees when planting
It is of course best if you train the young plant in the desired direction when planting it. However, it is also possible to cut back older panicle hydrangeas that have not been pruned for several years and are therefore old. However, raising a standard tree is not done with just one cut; it takes place over a period of at least two to three years.
The plant cut
The first cut is made when the plant is to be planted orfreshly planted young plants, with the best time for this procedure being late autumn. Select a ground shoot that should be trained as the main shoot and thus into a trunk and cut off all branches. The branches of the main stem must also be cut above the second or third eye. If possible, avoid shortening the main trunk.
The topiary the following year
The following year, in early spring, before budding, remove all lateral branches that are above the first eye. Also cut the trunk at the desired height, whereby you should make this cut above the third eye above the highest branch.
Possible care cut in summer
You can supplement the cutting to form the trunk with an operation in summer. In the first two years after flowering, cut off the branches and twigs extending from the trunk. However, this cut is not absolutely necessary.
Following topiaries
In subsequent years, around March, all branches that bore flowers the previous year are cut off at the base. Then shorten all twigs and branches along the trunk to a length of around 10 centimeters - the three to five leading branches (i.e. the thickest and highest branches) can be longer. In addition, the shoots growing on the sides of the trunk should always be removed. This cut should be repeated annually in spring.
Tips & Tricks
Support the trunk of your panicle hydrangea with a stake (€17.00 on Amazon) or similar. Coconut fibers are best for tying them down, as they do not constrict.
