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Cotinus Grace
sunsetprincess
Posts: 6
Hi
I have a cotinus "grace" which i planted 2years ago. Why has it grown low to the ground rather than up! It has lovely big leaves and its about 10ft in diameter but only 3ft high.
0
Posts
Has it been overfed, producing a lot of soft, lax growth?
The big leaves suggest that as a possibility. The foliage could be on the heavy side for the stems to carry it in a more upright habit.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I did think that was a possibility.
I have a husband who is 'trigger happy' as far as feeding plants is concerned! He means well and has now agreed to stick to the manual tasks around the garden and to leave the plants up to me....?
Your reply is much appreciated....thank you.
It's really just a guess based on your info sunsetprincess, because I can't think of any other obvious reason!
Many flowering plants will just produce loads of foliage at the expense of flowers when overfed, so it's a similar type of issue. Shrub stems need to harden up enough to carry flowers and foliage successfully.
I think it's a 'man thing' - if a capful of food is good, three capfuls must be better....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I am obviously going to have to prune it hard in an attempt to get it to grow up rather than low to the ground. When would you suggest i do this?
I hack mine right back in spring. It does put out some horizontal growth nut plenty up as well
In the sticks near Peterborough
I'd wait till spring - possibly late winter if your conditions are favourable. Many people prune them hard each year anyway, as it promotes strong new growth with good colour.
Just keep your hubby away from the plant food
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...