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Ceanothus urgent care

katjohnston5katjohnston5 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
I have a beautiful Ceanothus tree which is  just flowering at the moment, but, I haven't yet pruned it (and I didn't prune it last year which is when I got it), meaning that it is now too heavy, and leaning over a little. I think it could definitely benefit from having some of the weight removed- is it alright to prune it while its flowering? I would only do it if its not too catastrophic to do so. 

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    That's a tricky one. Ceanothus usually only need a light pruning so l would normally say leave it if you can. However, if you think that there's a risk of major damage to the tree then l would do it now.
    Others may say differently. 
    Is there any chance of you posting a photo please? 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Without seeing a photo I would agree with @AnniD
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    edited April 2022
    Wait until it's finished flowering.  Ceanothus are beautiful when in flower and it would be a shame to do it when it is in full flower.  The correct time to prune is after flowering. Then you can prune them moderately hard but don't overdue it or you could kill it; in other words, they don't like too much taken off. I'm assuming this is a mature bush. Hope that helps. 
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    If you cut into the old wood it probably won't reshoot and yes you can kill them. Think you will need to decide if it can hang on until after it flowers. This is even more important on a mature bush as that is when they are more likely to give up.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree. They can be short lived anyway, so a severe prune wouldn't be a good idea at all.
    It could have been leaning because it's in the wrong site - ie too shady, or it could be simply because it's not been firmed in well enough on planting. These can be factors just as much as it being big and top heavy  :)
    I agree too - a photo will always help with advice. It allows people to judge on how the plant/shrub looks, and the best course of action.  :)
    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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