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How to shape a shrub/formative pruning
puschkinia
Posts: 229
in Plants
Hi everyone
I have a ceanothus snow flurry in my front garden that I planted last year. I thought it was dying, but it's back with a vengeance, is growing like mad, and definitely needs a haircut.
Because I'd thought it was dying, earlier this year I planted an elaeagnus quicksilver to replace it. The quicksilver is growing very, very fast and I'm now going to have 2 large shrubs far too close together. If it won't cause too much harm to the plant, I'll try to move the ceanothus in winter (I assume that's the right time?)
I'd like to grow both as multistem trees so that I can plant underneath them - I think multistem trees are so beautiful. I have no clue how to prune them into that shape, though. I've got a bunch of questions - any help very much appreciated
Am I ok to just chop away the lower branches at the trunks, leaving them bare to just below the height of the wall?
Does the elaeagnus need pruning? It's already multistem - maybe it's growing fine as is? Should I wait until spring, or am I ok to do that now while they're still young?
Should I prune then move the ceanothus, or move the ceanothus then prune?
Sorry for the very basic questions - it's my first ever garden
Very keen to not ruin my beloved plants!
Thanks
I have a ceanothus snow flurry in my front garden that I planted last year. I thought it was dying, but it's back with a vengeance, is growing like mad, and definitely needs a haircut.
Because I'd thought it was dying, earlier this year I planted an elaeagnus quicksilver to replace it. The quicksilver is growing very, very fast and I'm now going to have 2 large shrubs far too close together. If it won't cause too much harm to the plant, I'll try to move the ceanothus in winter (I assume that's the right time?)
I'd like to grow both as multistem trees so that I can plant underneath them - I think multistem trees are so beautiful. I have no clue how to prune them into that shape, though. I've got a bunch of questions - any help very much appreciated
Am I ok to just chop away the lower branches at the trunks, leaving them bare to just below the height of the wall?
Does the elaeagnus need pruning? It's already multistem - maybe it's growing fine as is? Should I wait until spring, or am I ok to do that now while they're still young?
Should I prune then move the ceanothus, or move the ceanothus then prune?
Sorry for the very basic questions - it's my first ever garden
Very keen to not ruin my beloved plants!Thanks
0
Posts
You may find it's not terribly suited to the site though. It'll eventually shade other plants out, so you may find it difficult to plant anything around it.
It's a long time since I've grown Ceanothus, but it would be better to prune before moving, so that the roots have less top growth to support while establishing.
It hasn't been planted long if you only put it in last year, so a trim, a thorough watering, and then get as big a rootball as you can when you move it. It shouldn't have grown too much below ground anyway, so that shouldn't be too difficult. Water well after re planting. If you do that in early autumn, that will give it time to settle in before the coldest weather.
Just be aware that Ceanothus can be quite short lived shrubs anyway, especially if hard pruned, so make sure you're happy with whatever the new site is, so that you don't have to move it again!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
I have done the same with Ceonthus but on a big mature plant. It died the next winter but I think it was due more to age and a very cold winter.
Not sure when the best time of year would be to give you correct information. Working as a gardener sometimes you just have to go for it but would suggest you do it at the right time! Stand back and check each cut you can't stick it back.
I have crown lifted a small Amelanchier but have just three stems. It is a case of looking at each shrub. I could do it with ease standing in your garden but one thing I have found since joining the forum photos can be deceptive.
This eleagnus is deciduous and I think it's supposed to have a slightly lighter canopy than the evergreen ones bit like an olive (I hope!). But I love it so much, so if other plants struggle then they will be the ones to move
@GardenerSuze that's super helpful, thank you! step by step guide