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Pruning Philadelphus

paulhaddon55ZniGjhtFpaulhaddon55ZniGjhtF Posts: 3
in Plants
Please help
First time posting
I have been developing my gardening skills over recent years and have been determined to prune properly my large Mock Orange
But then this year I have been treated to its best display ever. The scent carried up to the patio for the first time too
Now my instincts are to leave well alone but what’s best approach to keep this bloom going? The room it takes up isn’t a problem 
Thanks in advance

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Prune out old wood  to low down so that it will regenerate new shoots and flower lower down. Don't take out more than a third of the wood.  Do this when flowering has finished. Mine did well this year, I think the heat last summer ripened the wood.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I agree with @fidgetbones … that technique preserves the natural elegant form while enduring the development of new growth for the future. 

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





  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    My philadelphus is the bane (yes another one) of my life. I look at pictures of pruning in books (interwebs) and when I go out with my secateurs I stand and look askance at a tangle of stuff.
    One thing I do know is that doing nothing is not an option. When I moved here mine was badly neglected and was 8ft high whips with tufts on the end! 
    Do what they 👆 say. They know stuff.
    Good luck.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree too - it will actually help regenerate the shrub over time and keep it productive. They're lovely when in full flow  :)
    Some people also prune to get a 'tree like' shape to them, but it would depend on how it looks lower down in terms of the general structure. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • paulhaddon55ZniGjhtFpaulhaddon55ZniGjhtF Posts: 3
    Thank you all for your comments 
    I planted this shrub maybe 25/30 years ago and sawed it right back some years ago. Here’s a couple of images taken into the base growth. Not sure if I need to start cutting right down into the large branches at the base or thin out the numerous (healthy looking) branches above. Would rather not want to restart by cutting back to the ground. Although I have growing confidence rejuvenating shrubs now, this shrub is quite a statement in the border now.
    Any further advice would be appreciated 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    There is one very thick one in the middle I would cut as low as possible.  Then one thicker one either side that would go.  The wood looks slightly darker as it gets older if that helps.  Leave the thinner stuff unless it is obviously rubbing against another branch.
  • paulhaddon55ZniGjhtFpaulhaddon55ZniGjhtF Posts: 3
    Thank you fidgetbones
    I will give that a go
    👍
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