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How and when to prune this chap

B3B3 Posts: 27,505
in Plants
I found it buried under rampant geranium,  hemeocallis etc.  etc. I think  it's  supposed  tohave white  flowers but it never got the chance. Too long woody stems as it fought it's way  upward..
I think it deserves  a chance - whatever  it is

In London. Keen but lazy.

Posts

  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    The leaves look like my camelia.......
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    No. It's definitely not a camelia. I'm not keen on them😊
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    Isn’t it a skimmia, @B3? 
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Yep Skimmia, agreed @pitter-patter
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Could well be. I'll see if I can find out what to do to make it more comfortable😊
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Apparently the poor thing needs a mate. Tough!
    Can anyone tell me if it will shoot from the woody bit or the base if I prune it into shape -or not at all.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    They're not exactly known for their ability to be pruned. I'd give it a light trim and allow it to grow a bit more. They like acidic soil so a top dress with some ericaceous compost would help...but it looks green enough if a bit bedraggled. They're wonderful when they flower in the winter...hope it bounces back. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Thanks @amancalledgeorge. Perhaps  should leave it for now ,then.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    They only need a mate if you want berries @B3 - like many hollies.   Give it a good drink of some feed made for ericaceous plants and then mulch it with ericaceous compost. I would limit any pruning to removing damaged or dead stems but then wait and see how it grows. 
    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)."
    Plato
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