I thought they didn't like being pruned but when I had some die back my neighbour suggested cutting it right back. So I did and it grew back. It was fine for a few years but now I've let it get swamped by bindweed so that's probably the end for it
I've never managed to keep one more than four years, except the deciduous one, Gloire de Versailles, which can be pruned. Mine always went crispy leaved then died, whether I pruned them or not. I always thought Dordogne winters are too cold for them.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
It's also in a most unpromising position alongside a garage brick wall.
My garden is 15 years old now and quite a lot of shrubs have need heavy duty treatment this year. Some are too big for their space. Some have disease or die back. etc, etc. So it's time for a big chop.
Emma just take a leading shoot and nip it off, about 6 inches, dip in hormone rooting powder and pop it into some compost. It will do equally as well if put straight into the ground, put it aside and almost ignore it apart from watering. Yes there is a difference of opinion re pruning, but all your'e doing is reshaping of the top.
As for soil I've seen them do well in all types of soil, but sun is best. I've also seen them in very windy places and they still survive.
All I can say is if it's doing well where it is then just be happy for it. A happy plant is a healthy plant and age makes no difference if your'e happy.
Thanks Dave I'll give it a go and see what happens, hakuna matata
re bindweed nutcutlett, ive had massive issues with it. Thought I'd broken it but it does sneak back from neighbour on the other side... The guru next door have me a fab tip (apparently an Alan titchmarsh one) unravel it and pop it in a plastic bag, while it's still in ground, squirt the weed killer on and leave for as long as poss .
Posts
Thanks Verdun, what's the best way to root the cuttings and what sort of after care do they need Please?
Oh good, they are short lived. I thought it was my incompetence!
I thought they didn't like being pruned but when I had some die back my neighbour suggested cutting it right back. So I did and it grew back. It was fine for a few years but now I've let it get swamped by bindweed so that's probably the end for it
In the sticks near Peterborough
I've never managed to keep one more than four years, except the deciduous one, Gloire de Versailles, which can be pruned. Mine always went crispy leaved then died, whether I pruned them or not. I always thought Dordogne winters are too cold for them.
The only one that has survived for me is deciduous. Last year I cut it back by 3/4's. Doing fine.
It's also in a most unpromising position alongside a garage brick wall.
My garden is 15 years old now and quite a lot of shrubs have need heavy duty treatment this year. Some are too big for their space. Some have disease or die back. etc, etc. So it's time for a big chop.
Emma just take a leading shoot and nip it off, about 6 inches, dip in hormone rooting powder and pop it into some compost. It will do equally as well if put straight into the ground, put it aside and almost ignore it apart from watering. Yes there is a difference of opinion re pruning, but all your'e doing is reshaping of the top.
As for soil I've seen them do well in all types of soil, but sun is best. I've also seen them in very windy places and they still survive.
All I can say is if it's doing well where it is then just be happy for it. A happy plant is a healthy plant and age makes no difference if your'e happy.
Thanks Dave
I'll give it a go and see what happens, hakuna matata 
re bindweed nutcutlett, ive had massive issues with it. Thought I'd broken it but it does sneak back from neighbour on the other side... The guru next door have me a fab tip (apparently an Alan titchmarsh one) unravel it and pop it in a plastic bag, while it's still in ground, squirt the weed killer on and leave for as long as poss
.