When to prune ?

Thanks for the photos - didnt mean to put you to so much trouble!!

See now looking at that, the leaves look different .... I think. What do you think ?

The way it covers all in white flowers though looks the very same and the branches do droop forward apart from some of the top ones.

Hmmmmm even more confused now !

 

Sorry-I slightly edited my post, yes I agree, the leaf tip is slightly differently serrated.

What makes me think it's bridal wreath is it's colou, it's growth habit and your description-along of course with the photos.

I don't think there is any difference between how to prune it though.


If I were to be trying to prune it I would look to thin it rather than cutting it back into any shape-it's natural growth habit is tall and arching so take out one in three stems about 3 inches or so from the ground.


It's swaying in the breeze is one of it's atrributes.



PS, no trouble, I needed the batteries and I sent my son after all, I didn't go lol

 

I agree with Claire, it`s Spiraea Bridal Wreath,and I would be inclined to get it back under control asap.:gnthb:

 

Ooooh, I got one right, bit by bit and step by step eh David?

 

Ssshhh Claire, we could still be proved wrong.:gnthb::rotfl:

 

Without sounding really really thick (never pruned anything in my life before!) but by taking out one branch in every 3 - what will that do exactly ?

The problem I have with it is that its too big. The height is ok, am not too bothered about that but it comes out into the garden so much that we have lost a whole corner of the decking. Plus there is a lovely plant (no idea what that is either) growing underneath it and because that gets no light it grows no leaves. Only half of the plant sticks out the other end and in the summer that has lovely pink trumpet like flowers on it which is lovely .... so kinda want that to be a full shrub not just half a one.

Will go take some more photos and maybe someone can ID the other lovely shrub too, but it will also give you an idea of the size of it for some suggestions on how to trim it.

Thanks for far though!!

 

Sam forget about pruning it, get a pair of garden shears and cut it back, just like you would a hedge.:thumb:

 

It thins out the plant as a whole the thicker stems at the bottom are not so thick. If you want to give another shrub a good chance then clear that area completely to give it room.

I have to be careful with pruning advice because I go a bit mental with secauteurs. You can probably take it right down to about 6 inches now to be honest. ( told you I was harsh), don't let me near hebes lol


Bridal wreath grows back beautifully so you won't be doing it any harm.

 

Some more snaps - first lot is of the problem bush which we now think is Bridal Wreath. This shows how far is comes out into the garden.

The last picture is underneath the bush which is what I am worried about. If I take some shears to it then I will be left with brown twigs and no green left ?

 

Last photos (promise!!!) getting far too cold out there now for me :(

These photos are of the nice bush underneath that is getting squashed out. Any ID on this one ?

Another lovely shrub that came with the house

 

Spiraea are pretty good at resprouting on woody growth. And, in my opinion, if you want the other plants to survive, it`s a gamble you should take.:gnthb:

 

I guess its always a gamble, just dont want to kill off a well established plant that have lived here way longer than I have! The old man who lived in our house before us was a very keen gardener apparently and I know from our neighbour that he hadnt touched the garden for years before he died due to illhealth so I am guessing its got to be 15 years old maybe even more.

What shape should I be aiming for, ie what looks best ? Like I said, never pruned or hacked anything before as all the plants ive planted are only little still, apart from a 7ft high cordeline that I planted as a baby about 3 years ago ..... havent managed to kill that yet lol

 

It`s a round plant, Sam. Keep it that way.:thumb:

 

Well after a trip to a few garden centres this weekend, I am even more confused on the ID on this plant. The leaves look completely different and all the ones I have seen are in full bloom. Mine isnt :(

Have taken some more photos today as it is completely covered in buds and the whole bush has about 4 white flowers on so far!










Any idea's ?

 

The shrub that was hiding looks like it was a weigela, and is a nice flowering shrub.

This still looks like a spirea, just taking its time at coming into flower! It'll burst into bloom when its ready!

Hope this Helps!