It’s not happy is it. On clay soil. Has a hollow where something sat in it and broke middle branches. It’s about a metre dia. Any suggestions on cheering it up? Thanks 😀
Cut out any broken stems form the squashed part. Trim back all the other stems to make a smooth, well-shaped ball which will improve appearance and encourage it t make new shoots to fill it out. Feed it with some liquid feed for leafy plants as an instant tonic and also a slow release fertiliser such as pelleted chicken manure which is quite high in nitrogen and will help leaf formation.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I would cut out all the damaged wood in the centre and give it a gentle clip. Clear the grass from around it and apply a general fertiliser. If you are left with a gaping hole in the middle (I assume it is a single plant?) you could try tying a piece of string round it and pull it together a bit - gently! That may improve its appearance.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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Cut out any broken stems form the squashed part. Trim back all the other stems to make a smooth, well-shaped ball which will improve appearance and encourage it t make new shoots to fill it out. Feed it with some liquid feed for leafy plants as an instant tonic and also a slow release fertiliser such as pelleted chicken manure which is quite high in nitrogen and will help leaf formation.
Have a read of this - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=96
and this - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1005
and this in case it's not blight but one of the pests - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=851