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Overgrown bottlebrush tree

samanthacole83samanthacole83 Posts: 3
in Plants
We moved into a property that has this overgrown bottle brush tree. I think they’re supposed to be bushes though. I really love the flowers but feel it needs a good prune back to make it a bit healthier. 
Is this possible or will I kill it if I prune it quite far back?
thanks

Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    That is big.
    Have a look at for possible advice.

  • wlp198864645wlp198864645 Posts: 1
    Hi, I know this is an old post but I wondered how you got on with the pruning, my wife and I just bought a house with an overgrown bottlebrush and we’re lost with how to prune it. Thanks
  • samanthacole83samanthacole83 Posts: 3
    wlp198864645 said:
    Hi, I know this is an old post but I wondered how you got on with the pruning, my wife and I just bought a house with an overgrown bottlebrush and we’re lost with how to prune it. Thanks
    Hi
    We didn’t do too much to it in the end. Though last year my husband snapped a large branch off so he cut that bit back. It has then had loads of new shoots on that branch so it seemed to be fine with a big cut back.
    We’ve cut some more bits back recently so will see if they get new shoots too.
    Sorry I don’t have a better response 🙂
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @wlp198864645 @samanthacole83 I am assuming you both live in either the south of the UK or somewhere warmer.
    I have grown one but it didn't survive here in the Midlands. Because it is tender I would not advise any pruning at this time of year.

    Not something I have ever had to prune here , after flowering  would be my thoughts  so that the wood has a chance to settle. With a mature plant the possibility of shock could be a problem if it is pruned hard. If it is dead disease or crossing that could also be addressed again directly after flowering.
    A pruning plan over the next few years dealing with it a little each year would be my thoughts.
    Sometimes we plant shrubs and don't address future problems on an anuual basis then we start to face a problem. This could be one of those situations especially with a plant that is rarely seen this far north in the UK unless maybe in a coastal area?

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • samanthacole83samanthacole83 Posts: 3
    Thanks for the tips. 
    We are in the south in Dorset about 8 miles from the coast.
    I love the plant so definitely want to keep it going.
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