Taming a massive Cotinus

Posts

• Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

  6 March

  Yes, go for it, we had one and it got huge. I regularly gave it a hard prune right down.

  North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone

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• nickoslesteros Posts: 178

  6 March

  Like, right down to the think stems? Say max 24" off the ground ?

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• Plantminded Posts: 3,580

  6 March

  I've taken mine down to about 18 inches @nickoslesteros. This gives a sturdy framework for new stems which I will selectively keep or remove as the new shape develops. I started off a bit higher, then got this low. It's worth starting higher at first and then working down to what looks potentially better!
  
  
  
  
  

  Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.
  
  
  

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• nickoslesteros Posts: 178

  6 March

  Excellent. I have taken mine down as far as I dare - the main stem leans, so it's a little odd. I need to try and train the growth away from the left as it put the shrub there in to substantial shade past few years..
  
  Very sappy - I guess it's ready to explode into growth quite soon!
  
  
  

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• Plantminded Posts: 3,580

  6 March

  See how it goes this year @nickoslesteros, you can then revise your strategy next year if necessary!

  Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.
  
  
  

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• nickoslesteros Posts: 178

  6 March

  Thanks for the help - and confidence boost! At least I will be able to see my nice cordyline behind properly now!

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