Flatten bushes

stuarta99

Hi guys,

Anybody got any ideas on how I can get some shape back to my lavender and hebe. Both didn't like the snow and the both need cutting back as they've grown really big, but really not sure how best to go about it.

For the gaps in the middle I was tempted to get something to wrap around and pull it tighter

Lizzie27

I think it's a bit late to do anything this year with the lavender as it's in flower. If you are very careful with the hebe, you could try winding some twine around the middle bit and pull it together. Alternatively, you could try inserting some short twiggy branches in places instead of the twine to prop the hebe up in the middle. 

Borderline

Those Hebes can get like that. Their habit is spreading and wide. You will need to give them a yearly trim to keep them compact. The branches get heavier as they extend.

The Lavender can run out of steam when they age and eventually, they will split open like that without any support around it. I think it's a nice natural shape and not at all an eye-sore. Split them into smaller portions if you can or start to take cuttings. The base will grow more and more woody and the shape can become unpredictable.

Fairygirl

I'd be more worried about the amount of grass growing through the middle of that Hebe! Any plants/shrubs need a clear area around them - it only causes issues and creates competition for nutrients and water.
Snow needs to be knocked off shrubs - especially evergreens - or you end up with broken branches. It's something we have to do on a regular basis through winter here - sometimes twice or three times a day. Just use a cane, a broom handle or your hand [or foot ] to bump the bulk of the snow off. Hebes will certainly spread and break if you don't do that. 

stuarta99

Yep I need to remove and strip out that grass, been staying off while repairing the lawn.  I'll think I'll try some twine or something and I also need to work out how to trim them back at the end of the season.

I always do trim the lavender and cut it back height wise but not around the diameter.  I guess I just trim from the base from the outside in like peeling an onion.