To cut back, or not to cut back...
Another question!
So I've begun working my way around the overgrown shrubs in the garden, and have come to this one.
Firstly I'm not sure what it is... and secondly, would it benefit from some of the branches/trunks whatever you call them (you can all tell I'm a pro!) back like you would a tree?
I feel like I want to thin it out, get rid of some of the crossing and gnarly branches, and open it out a bit. Or is it a lost cause? I think it has been ignored and then hacked for years.
Thanks again,
Polly
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Hi Polly. Go with your plan. Get rid of the old gnarly branches and open up the centre of the shrub - might have a bit of difficulty with the big boy in the middle but its worth the effort. I'm not sure what the shrub is but if it were mine I would reduce its height by a half.
Forsythia? Kolkwitzia?
Do you remember it flowering? What colour and when would be useful.
Last edited: 12 March 2017 17:49:36
Hi Ladybird4,
Great, I will do that asap then, before it starts shooting any more. I don't think I will do it any harm by chopping it right back, it seems a vigorous thing!
Go for it Polly. Good luck!
Hi Hostafan1. I have just tried having a look back at some old pics and I'm not sure. It may have pinky flowers in early summer but I can't be sure!!
Yes, Doghouse Riley, I see what you're saying completely!
It is quite large but it doesn't dominate as the garden is largish (for my gardening capabilities anyway!) and there are many established shrubs along the borders. At the moment I am just trying to get these in better shape as many are overgrown, and then I'll use them as a backdrop for creating larger beds with planting in front and a smaller lawn.
Polly,
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=kolkwitzia+amabilis&rlz=1C1CHFX_en-gbGB480GB480&espv=2&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjMoc_y0tHSAhWHgFQKHZqYAu8Q_AUIBigB&biw=1821&bih=882
Did it look like this? Kolkwitzia Amabilis.
If it is. Hack away, it's as tough as old boots and will spring back.
you get a better shaped shrub in the long term if you cut some old stems right back to base and leave the rest as they are. Shrubs that have been cut back to a height loose all their natural shape and style and just look hacked.
In the sticks near Peterborough
@hostafan1 Yes, that looks familiar now. I'm going to go for it as soon as I can get out there. Hopefully this dry spell will continue one more day!
@nutcutlet - It does look really hacked as do most of the shrubs in the garden! So I'll give it a go. I don't think I can make it worse.