Hedge cut Philadelphus

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Bb135, Jun 26, 2025.

  1. Bb135

    Bb135 Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    May 17, 2024
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +1
    Hi


    I have a customer that has a philadelphus.


    You can see it has been hedge cut in the past.


    It’s a ball. I know, ridiculous… anyways. She is adamant she wants it kept as a ball. To be honest it would take me three years to get it back to am open fan can grower again.


    I am fully aware of how to prune a philadelphus properly. If it’s been done properly before. By simply heading back flowered shoots to a pair of buds lower down and cutting a few old canes to the ground each year.


    Anyways. It’s just finished flowering and is converting and looks a mess.


    My question is if I just leave it to put on some new growth after flowering. And just ball it but not too deep, retaining a section of current years growth for next spring then will it flower? Off the small section I have left on it after hedge cutting it?


    Regards.
     
  2. On the Levels

    On the Levels Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2024
    Messages:
    1,369
    Ratings:
    +3,239
    Ours was cut back for years and we had no flowers. So now it is left so we have the flowers and the scent and then cut back to control vigour.
     
  3. JennyJB

    JennyJB Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2024
    Messages:
    1,705
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire
    Ratings:
    +6,051
    If it has time to put on new growth after you prune it, that new growth should produce some flowers next year, but it won't be a tight neat ball by the time it flowers. I think your customer has to choose between keeping it in a tidy ball shape and decent flowering.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    Loading...

    Share This Page

    1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
      By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
      Dismiss Notice