Question
I have 2 snowballs bushes. Both 3 years old. Both do well until they flower and then it rains. They both get covered wit h lots of white snowballs, but after it rains and gets wet, all branches and snowballs bend down and end up laying on the ground. Seems branches cannot support the weight of the wet snowballs. Even after plants dry out, they wont stand back up.
How can I strengthen them up so they dont keep falling over??
Thank you !

Answer
Herb,

Depending on the size, I would recommend using modified tomato cages for a short term fix. You may also dive a stake into the soil near the center and tie each branch to it using twine or wire. If you choose to do this, check the wires twice a year to make sure that they are not cutting into the branches.

For a more permanent fix, fertilize them with a low nitrogen fertilizer in the fall to help increase the branch thickness.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen