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Overgrown Escallonia Shrub Spring Prune?

redseatartandI3DLCeVredseatartandI3DLCeV Posts: 3
in Plants
 
I have two very overgrown shrubs that I think as different variants of Escallonia? 
I want to cut them both back 'hard' as they are pretty ugly with lots of empty stems. We're in East Sussex, are they going to survive if I prune them hard now (in late Feb) or should I wait until late summer? 

Thanks all 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Escallonias are evergreen, so if there's no foliage on them at all, it might be too late.

    I don't think that's what they are though, especially looking at the seed heads in the 2nd pic.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    Pics turned/trimmed
    Think seed capsules match Escallonia.
    They are pretty indestructible.
    Cut back now means no flowers in 2022.
    But they will regrow...and flower again.
    I would prune back to 6-9 "

    https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/467699/

    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Fair enough @Silver surfer. I don't grow it now [don't like the flowers]  so I wasn't sure if it was an Escallonia at all.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • redseatartandI3DLCeVredseatartandI3DLCeV Posts: 3
    Thanks very much @Silver surfer, when you say 6-9 " are you suggesting I cut it right back to 9" off the ground? I certainly can cope with no flowers if it helps it rejuvenate.

    I also have a second one which is even worse...
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