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unsure what this is and when to cut back (would like to cut a lot)

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  • rookie79rookie79 Posts: 15
    ..and the one next to it.  I'm actually debating just digging them out completely.  Any advice much appreciated :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The hebe [your first pic] can be trimmed back lightly after flowering. Cutting them back hard isn't always a good idea as they sometimes don't come back from that.

    The spotted laurel isn't really a suitable specimen for that wee bed. They're hedging plants really, and want to become a very large size. The hebe would fill the bed on it's own, and you could let it grow to full size without having to do much other than a light trim after flowering.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906
    I think that you have an hebe and a spotted laurel there. Both can be cut back but hey are too close and if I had to choose one or the other, I'd save the hebe.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • rookie79rookie79 Posts: 15
    Thank you so much for this.  We inherited it like this.  Stupid question probably but is the Hebe likely to have flowered already? I think it has but am not sure...
  • rookie79rookie79 Posts: 15
    Do you think I could dig the spotted laurel out at this time of year? Does it matter when? 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I would just dig it out now, give the hebe a bit more space  :)
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906
    Those are flower buds on the hebe. The flowers are much loved by bees. If you have decided to lose the spotted laurel you can dig it out any time.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    You can compost an acuba at any time of year.😉
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It would be worth giving the bed a really good soaking before trying to dig anything out. Makes the job easier. On the plus side, laurels are quite easy to get out, even when quite mature  :)
    The hebe's about to flower, so you'll be able to tidy it in a month or so. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • rookie79rookie79 Posts: 15
    Great - thanks.  Weekend job for me.  I'll definitely soak - it's been a scorcher of a week (for Glasgow)! 
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