I agree cut it low, there is a general rule you prune for structure first, flowers are transient. Once you have a good shape then you can let it flower, be patient.
Would echo the previous poster, you really do not have enough space for that to grow into a bush or a tree. It’s a large plant. Can you move it somewhere with more room?
@LilyW Fairygirl asked if there was enough room but wasn't answered. Can't tell how much room there is from the photo. There could be enough. However, if you don't mind not having flowers it can be kept quite trim.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
I'm in a similar situation to the OP. Planted a young S. nigra 'Black Lace' last autumn. It is now 85cm high, with 2 stems only. Kept its foliage until late in December. It has a number of healthy pairs of buds and I was wondering if I should prune it now and how much. Which pruning height would you advise?
Well-fed and watered this will grow really quickly and you will eventually get more flowers and a more attractive shrub if you prune it quite hard now. I keep mine as a bush about 1.5 x 1.5 metres by annual pruning. If you prune you actually get bigger leaves anyway, and the pink flowers are a bonus.
@Papi Jo , I would go for 1 and the pair of buds below 5. At this stage you want to be making a nice bushy framework. Next year you can cut the resulting branches to a bud above this year's cuts, if you like.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Thanks everyone for the advice. Just pruned this afternoon (lovely Spring weather here) as advised... now just have to wait and watch the development into a nice bush.
Hello again everyone I have read with interest the comments. I think you are right and I will have to move the shrub as there isn't a great deal of room for it where it is. Thank you all for such good advice as always. Sorry for late response been up to my eyes with work.
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