Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

very ungainly Escallonia

Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
in Problem solving
I have an Escallonia with large thick branches from ground level and lots of twiggy branches with new shoots at the ends.  It flowered reasonably well last year but the flowering shoots are still hanging on and dead, with the new shoots above them.  I know I shouldn't do anything until after it has flowered (hopefully) this year, but I'm wondering how much I could cut it back later on to try to rejuvenate it a bit.  I'm willing to sacrifice any flowering next year, but don't really want to kill off the shrub.  Any advice gratefully received.

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I cut mine down to the ground a year or so ago, thinking I might dig it up and get rid of it. it seemed to have heard me and is now back to the same size as before but looking healthier. I'd go for it.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    Same here. Cut it down and it grew back nicely.
    Southampton 
  • Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
    Thanks so much ladies, that sounds encouraging. I don't think digging it out is an option, given the size of it but it looks pretty horrible at the moment!  Later on in the year, I'll go for it and cut it right down as you suggest!  Can I saw through the very old thick branches or just cut the thinner ones?
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Yes, you can cut out the old thick branches, it will do it good.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
    Thanks Lizzie.  I'll just shut my eyes to it in the meantime, and after flowering (if at all), look out shrub, here I come with the loppers, lol.
  • Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
    Been out today with the loppers and a pruning saw.  It had finished flowering so I decided to go for it, lol.  It looks pretty horrible now, but hopefully the new shoots will fill out by next year and it'll look better!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It should be fine - rejuvenating shrubs is normally a very good idea   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
    Thanks Fairy.
Sign In or Register to comment.