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Hobblebushes are known for their low-sitting limbs, stunning flowers, and wide leaves. However, they’re often seen in varying sizes and subspecies. These plants can get quite large, despite their tendency to hobble those walking by. Their maximum height depends on their environment, though.
A hobblebush grows to around 10 feet (3.05 m) tall and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide. Hobblebushes won’t grow through other plants above them, such as tree branches. However, they can connect to neighboring hobblebushes to form massive root structures.
In this post, we’ll show you the biggest a hobblebush can get, how you can improve your hobblebush’s height, and why your hobblebush stopped growing.
Hobblebush Maximum Size
A hobblebush’s maximum size goes up to 10 feet in any direction. This estimate assumes that all soil, water, sunlight, and nutrient necessities are met. Some people prune their hobblebushes to prevent them from getting too big. These plants can handle heavy pruning, though it’s typically unnecessary.
The average hobblebush grows between 6 to 8 feet (1.83 to 2.44 m), though healthy hobblebushes can get 10 feet (3.05 m) or wider.
Keep in mind that ‘hobblebush’ is a nickname for the viburnum plant. This shouldn’t be confused with the Florida hobblebush (Agarista populifolia), which can grow up to 12 feet (3.66 m) tall.
Hobblebushes often grow to fit their environment. Many gardeners keep their hobblebushes around six feet tall and wide for maintenance purposes.
However, these plants spread in woody areas to create massive shrub structures that grow much larger than 10 feet (3.05 m) wide. You can do the same if you grow several hobblebushes next to each other.
Keep in mind that hobblebush cuttings grow much quicker in the spring, so there’s a much better chance of reaching the maximum size faster.
How To Make a Hobblebush Bigger
To make a hobblebush bigger, try these steps:
- Check and adjust the soil. Every plant’s growth cycle starts with proper soil. Hobblebushes need well-draining, acidic, moist soil. It’s also a good idea to keep the soil slightly cold, considering these plants aren’t native to places with dry, hot dirt. You usually only have to water a hobblebush once per week.
- Maintain temperatures between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 27 degrees Celsius). This temperature range makes sure your hobblebush doesn’t get too hot, cold, or dry. Extreme climates tend to drastically reduce the soil’s moisture content through evaporation and frost.
- Prune overhead and overhanging plants near the hobblebush. Hobblebushes don’t need to be heavily pruned. However, you can prune trees and other plants over the shrub to provide more room for growth. These plants don’t grow very well if they have to push through thick branches and dense foliage.
- Provide nutrient-rich fertilizer to ensure your hobblebush has all of the minerals it needs. Your hobblebush won’t grow to its maximum size if it doesn’t have good topsoil. There should be plenty of zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphates. Most plants get enough magnesium from the hose, but they need additional nutrients.
- Remove weeds and neighboring plants that could be hindering the hobblebush’s growth. All of the roots near the hobblebush can absorb the nutrients and moisture intended for the plant. Manually remove the weeds to ensure you pull out the roots. Never mow over the weeds; it won’t prevent future growth.
BioAdvanced Shrub Protect and Feed (link to Amazon) is a great fertilizer for hobblebushes because it protects against insects. It also provides enough nutrients to promote optimal growth. It also includes plenty of nitrogen, which is crucial for the vibrant green leaves.
Hobblebushes grow for several years, but they won’t outgrow their environment. It’s essential that you free some space around the plant, including under the soil.
Read on if you’re still experiencing growth problems that prevent your hobblebush from reaching the aforementioned 10’ x 10’ (25.4 x 25.4 cm) size estimate.
Why Won’t Your Hobblebush Grow?
Your hobblebush won’t grow because the soil is too alkaline or the temperature drops too much. Hobblebushes rarely regress, but they can stop growing if their needs aren’t met.
It’s important to make one adjustment at a time to know why the growth was stunted.
Hobblebushes will wilt if they get too cold (source).
Let’s dive into the various reasons your hobblebush won’t grow big enough.
- The plant is well below its optimal temperature range. As mentioned above, hobblebushes shouldn’t get below 40 degrees for too long. You can use antifreeze, burlap sheets, and other breathable fabrics to keep the roots warm. If you notice frost on the ground, there’s a high chance your hobblebush won’t grow until it goes away.
- It doesn’t have enough nutrients to keep growing. All plants need vital nutrients, and hobblebushes are no exception. You can take soil samples and test them to ensure the dirt has everything it needs to grow your hobblebushes. In most cases, the plant won’t grow until the soil is corrected or improved.
- The roots are damaged or disrupted by neighboring plants. Anything near the hobblebush can prevent it from growing (aside from other hobblebushes). Invasive weeds are especially dangerous to your hobblebush’s growth because they hide under the hanging stems and leaves without being seen.
Hobblebushes have the tendency to grow in all directions. They can be 10’ x 10’ (25.4 x 25.4 cm) or more, especially if they combine with other hobblebushes. These dense plants take up a lot of space, but they won’t get nearly as big if they don’t get enough sunlight or water.
Final Thoughts
Hobblebushes can get quite massive under the right conditions. These plants tolerate fluctuating temperatures and grow very well in the wild.
That being said, you can create the perfect growing environment for a hobblebush in your yard. Remember to lightly prune it to prevent strain and overgrowth.
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