You can divide them Chris, which rejuvenates them. It can be a bit daunting with a mature one, but a good sharp spade will do the job once you dig it out. You can then divide the plant up, pot up or use some of the pieces elsewhere, and just replant the best looking bit. If you do that, it may need a little support initially as the roots can be quite shallow and a windy day can dislodge plants quite easily till they get established again.
If you don't want to do that, you can cut old foliage back right in at the base. Slice off any old or damged leaves, or ones which you don't like the look of ! I do that on a regular basis with one or two of mine, just to keep them a suitable size for the space they're in. I have a pair of snips to do it whiwch I find better than secateurs. A good pair of scissors would also work well.
If you look into the middle of the plant, you'll see new shoots coming through all the time.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
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You can divide them Chris, which rejuvenates them. It can be a bit daunting with a mature one, but a good sharp spade will do the job once you dig it out. You can then divide the plant up, pot up or use some of the pieces elsewhere, and just replant the best looking bit. If you do that, it may need a little support initially as the roots can be quite shallow and a windy day can dislodge plants quite easily till they get established again.
If you don't want to do that, you can cut old foliage back right in at the base. Slice off any old or damged leaves, or ones which you don't like the look of ! I do that on a regular basis with one or two of mine, just to keep them a suitable size for the space they're in. I have a pair of snips to do it whiwch I find better than secateurs. A good pair of scissors would also work well.
If you look into the middle of the plant, you'll see new shoots coming through all the time.
You can dig it up and cut the root ball into sections with a large knife, or slice off sections using a sharp spade. Lots of muscle required.
Thank you both, looks like no rest for the wicked this weekend.
Ohhh...........I don't envy you that job, I hope you have a good substantial pair of gloves!