In addition to the Macrophylla varieties - which also include farmer's and garden hydrangeas - snowball hydrangeas (botanically Hydrangea arborescens) are among the most popular shrubs for the garden. Its advantages cannot be overlooked either, because in addition to the huge, creamy-white flower balls, the "Annabelle" variety in particular impresses with its tall and bushy growth and its excellent frost hardiness. "Annabelle" can also be propagated very easily by division, as the rootstock, which grows with age, forms many sprouts.

The snowball hydrangea Annabelle can be easily propagated by division

The right time for a division

There are two favorable times for division: after flowering in autumn or before budding in spring, when the buds appear but no leaves have formed yet. The general rule of thumb is to divide fall bloomers in spring and spring and summer bloomers in fall. The best time to divide for the Annabelle quickball hydrangea, which blooms in summer, would therefore be autumn, although experience speaks for early spring, for example in connection with the pruning that occurs then. But whenever you want to make the division, always make sure that each section has at least one shoot.

Division of the snowball hydrangea "Annabelle" step-by-step

Usually the rhizomes are divided into two sections, although in the case of very large specimens a division into three or four (or even more) sections is possible. It is very important to replant the sections immediately, otherwise they will dry out and die. If necessary, if immediate planting is not possible, wrap the root pieces in plastic bags and keep in a cool, dark place. In this way, they remain moist until planting, but should not be left for more than three to four days at most.

Share "Annabelle" - this is how it works

To divide, completely dig out the previously cut perennial and divide the rootstock vertically into two (or, in the case of particularly extensive rootstocks, several) parts with a strong blow with the spade. If the roots are very matted, you can pierce the middle with two digging forks and tear the rhizome in two by pulling the forks apart.

tips and tricks

Careful soil preparation is important for plants to thrive. A thorough loosening of the soil before planting is important in any case, and you can also work in mature compost generously to improve the soil. As a start fertilizer, low-salt mineral complete fertilizer is mixed in to give the plant optimal starting conditions.

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Vegetable garden