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Shrub identity

Hi all
Not had a chance to see this shrub in flower properly as we only moved here (France) a few months ago and  as it's the end of the year  it only has a couple of flowers left. I would like some advice regarding what its name is and if, (looking at the photos) it can be pruned down as it looks very "leggy" It's about 5 feet high with leaves that resemble (a bit) raspberry. Enclosed are a few photos.



The two or three flowers that are left are currently at the ends of the branches and are quite small. I am sure it's pretty common but I can't find similar in my books.


Thanks in advance. I have another bush to identify but I'll make another post.

Nat

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Looks to me like the hardy shrub hibiscus syriacus Oiseau Bleu

    https://www.rhsplants.co.uk/plants/_/hibiscus-syriacus-oiseau-bleu/classid.3943/#:~:text=This shrub is deciduous so,foliage appears again each spring.&text=Little or no pruning is,might need a winter mulch.

    In Belgium I never pruned mine except to cut out frost damaged shoots and found they came into leaf and flower very late.  June sometimes.

    When we moved here 4 years ago I bought a few magazines to help me with local practices and timings and one of those said March was a good time to prune them.  I have several forms here with different colours so just pruned one down to a third of its original size to see what happened and it was fine.   

    I shall be thinning and shortening most of the others nex March as they are getting big and a bit straggly.  I'll then give them a feed and make sure they don't go thirsty if we have another hot, dry spring like last year.
    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
  • Hi Obelixx
    Thank you very much for replying. Your flower  image looks very much like mine, only more purple. Early next year  I'll just prune back the bare tips to a leafing node and leave the rest. I'm in Brittany so a bit more north than yourself.
    Thanks again.
    Nat
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