Red Robins

I have been helping a neighbour with her garden. She wants a red robin hedge along one side. A few weeks ago we bought some in a 50% off sale that are approx 5ft tall including the pots, we haven't planted them as the ground is far too dry so waiting till autumn rains hopefully come.

I am wondering if they should be trimmed down a bit in preparation of planting? They are a bit leggy but not too bad. I know once it turns cold it will be too late until next spring.

 

I’d leave pruning them until spring @Friendly, to avoid any new growth being damaged by frost. I made that mistake last year with a mature Bay laurel . The one in your photo looks like a well proportioned plant which should respond well to pruning. Keep them well watered and add some bone meal when planting, ideally in the next couple of weeks.

 

Thanks @Plantminded.
We have already added bone meal and well rotted manure to the bed in preparation so hopefully all we will be good if we get some decent rain.