How to deal with two mature shrubs growing very close together?
sabeeha
Posts: 344
Good morning!
I would appreciate some advice with a pair of shrubs in my garden.
Both are mature, and are growing right next to each other.
One is a Ceanothus, the other I’m not quite sure - eleagnus (?). They are literally next to each other - and look like one mass from far away.
Anyone have any thoughts on how to deal with this?
I would appreciate some advice with a pair of shrubs in my garden.
Both are mature, and are growing right next to each other.
One is a Ceanothus, the other I’m not quite sure - eleagnus (?). They are literally next to each other - and look like one mass from far away.
Anyone have any thoughts on how to deal with this?
The ceanothus is much smaller, and doesn’t look happy - it has flowers but not that many, I haven’t pruned either since I moved in a couple of years ago.
My second question: can I remove branches from the bottom? So it’s more too heavy? Would it damage the shrub?
Thank you 💐
My second question: can I remove branches from the bottom? So it’s more too heavy? Would it damage the shrub?
Thank you 💐
0
Posts
When they are that congested, you really need to prune in a way that will allow the Ceanothus room and sunlight in, otherwise the shrub will be spindly and as you say lacking in flowering due to blocked light.
Ceanothus shrubs are quite sensitive to severe pruning, so once it has the space, maybe shorten some of the growth tips and wait till next year to see it come back.
On your last paragraph, I may have misunderstood, but if you mean to prune out the lower branches to allow more space and light for the areas below or make more room for more plants, yes you can. From the photos, you can be quite brutal with the Garrya Elliptica shrub as many of the branches are quite congested already.
borderline - many thanks! Looking at photos online the catkins look lovely- mine have never looked like them 😑