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Potentilla Abbotswood checking pruning

a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
in Plants
Hi, I have 5 potentilla abbotswood, about 7-8 years old ish. I have never pruned them.  I didn’t intend to, but I notice the foliage is mostly brown/dead, and they are just green and flowering on the end of each branch. 
If I prune it, it will just be a dead brown ball. Will it recover? They are still alive, obviously as it’s in flower, but it’s not looking nice. 
thanks for help. 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I prune mine when needed. I sometimes just take complete stems out, rather then doing the 'shaped into a pudding' look. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    Ah ok, take out dead looking stuff, and don’t worry about the overall shape? that might work. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I like the shape to be natural, and not look as if its pruned, so it's a better way of doing it. I can then take a few different stems back at a different time :)

    I have one beside the front path, which is really next door's. It's lovely, a soft creamy colour,  but in completely the wrong place, and I have to hack it right back every year. It grows back no problem, and flowers for months. It's a shame, as there's plenty of room for it to be elsewhere in the garden, and it could grow nicely without any interference. I may suggest it to the new neighbour  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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