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Two large choisya bushes that are far too large

Ruth150Ruth150 Posts: 41
in Problem solving
These two bushes are about 20 years old and are far too large. All the books say cut down by half. If I do that they will be just bare branches. Can I prune them down to the ground so they can  bush up again from ground level? Your views will be very much appreciated Thanks

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    They are fine to be pruned back. But looking at your photos, they don't look all that tall. They are fast growers, especially when they are established, so they will need pruning at least twice a year to keep them lower than what's in the photos.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I think you'd be fine to cut them back to the size you want them in one operation.
    If you're nervous. Cut back the front  as far  as you want to , but leave the top until new growth starts on the cut stems, them take the top down? 

    Devon.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    New growth starts quite quickly. I had one that was too big, a lot taller than yours and starting to block the path. I cut it right back. It looked awful but started growing very soon and re-clothed itself.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Ruth150Ruth150 Posts: 41
    Thanks for all your advice. 🙂
  • Ruth150Ruth150 Posts: 41
    Great result from cutting the choisya bushes right down and reseeding the bare grass patches. Thanks for all your encouragement to cut them right down
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Good stuff @Ruth150  :)
    The only problem is that you'll need to keep doing that if you want to keep them in a narrow border, and that will affect flowering.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Ruth150Ruth150 Posts: 41
    Yes it will effect the flowering @fairygirl but I am not too worried as I love the leaves! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As long as you're happy @Ruth150 - that's the only thing that matters in a garden  :)
    You're right - the foliage is very attractive on them  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    To be honest, white flowers on a yellow leaved plant is questionable anyway!
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I like the flowers, and they're great for pollinators, but as ever, it comes down to choice, and personal preference.   :)
    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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