Solved Large unknown evergreen shrub

Thanks. I had a read of the pruning group 1 web page link, but as the link also suggests it concerns light pruning, whereas we would like to prune back by 1/4-1/3 evenly around the shrub, so harder pruning as it has got well out of proportion to the other shrubs out in the front garden

 

@Matthew Sampson, don't be too overly concerned with the small details. Your shrub looks quite established. The main concern for these tender evergreens which are quite slow growing is if you cut back too hard, you may disturb the way the branches will grow back, so you need to think about staggering some with light pruning with some slightly harder pruned. Do it over 2 years for a more natural look. In rare cases, if you prune so much off, you can kill the whole shrub, so little and often is the motto.

Also consider how the plant will grow back. Avoid pruning too late in the year (no later than autumn) otherwise you leave tender new growth to colder windy and wet conditions which can weaken the plant or cause die-back. Hope that helps.

 

@Matthew Sampson
I think it looks wonderful and you are so lucky to have such a fine specimen.
However at the end of the day it is your garden.
If you want to remove it completely or prune it is is entirely up to you.
The Eden has given you sage advice.

 

Thank you for your reply. If it's preferable to prune back more gradually over two years instead of all in one year because it's big, do you think I could prune it lightly this year once the flowers on it have gone before the autumn and then prune lightly again say in early April next year?

 

Prune before flowering if you are not too concerned about the flowers. All it means is you will not get flowers this year. If you prune quite hard back, there is a small chance they may also not flower next year, but should do the year after. If you want to stick to your plans as stated in your post, that should work too.

 

Ok, thank you for all your input. That completes all my questions about this shrub. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply, it's much appreciated.
Matthew.

 

We have pruned the shrub. Please see below.

 

If I were you I would now remove all tiny branches at the bottom to reveal the super bark.
It will let light and air in for nearby lower growing plants.
Do it as high as you like.
See example below.

 

Did this yesterday evening. Completes it now. Thank you.