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Identification and how to cut this back

njcduffynjcduffy Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi

We are wondering if you knew what this plant is. And secondly how on earth we tackle chopping it back to a reasonable size. We aren't even sure what tools to use for the job and how to go about it. (Yes sorry we are amateurs!) Any advice at all greatly appreciated!


Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I think that's a phormium (New Zealand flax).
    As far as I know, the only way to prune it without ending up with an unsightly mess is to cut off each dead/damaged/tatty/previously-chopped-in-half leaf right back to the base. You'll need very sharp secateurs or knife - the leaves have tough lengthwise fibres in them (I guess that's why its common name has flax in it). It really wants to be that size though, and when the new leaves grow in they'll get to the same length, when they're fully grown, so if you want something smaller or narrower in that spot it might be better to replace it. Don't chop leaves off partway down - that always looks terrible, like a giant toilet brush.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited July 2022
    If you’re going to tackle if yourself best to wear some safety goggles. 🥽 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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