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Pruning Mahonia

smokeybikersmokeybiker Posts: 7
in Plants

Hi.

A bit of a novice gardener here so please forgive the silly questions.

We have an established Mahonia in the back garden.  It must be 8-9 foot tall consisting of 3 main stems and seems very lanky compared to others that I've seen.  I was wondering what the advide would be about cutting it back in order to promote a better spread.  My first inclination would be to saw it back to half height and see what happens.  

Also if I am to prune it when is the appropriate time?

Any advice would be appreciated.  

 

Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,114

    You can actually cut them back to almost ground level, if you need to. The ones at Bodnant Gardens were really hack back a few years ago and they are back up to 6 feet already.

    Since they are Winter flowering shrubs, pruning now would remove the flowers. The best time would be in April.

  • smokeybikersmokeybiker Posts: 7

    Thanks again.  I'll be getting aggresive with it next year then.

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