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Overgrown shrub- can I cut back safely?
ymv13
Posts: 5
Hello
I have a large shrub which is getting very big and is starting to block light. Is it safe to cut it back and reduce the height? If so, any tips to successful cutting back will be appreciated. Attached is a picture of the shrub
Thank you
0
Posts
It looks to be a pittosporum, a close up picture would help. If it is it can be cut back to ground level if desired, it's a vigorous shrub so you can prune as hard as you like.
Thanks Dave
Here is a close up.
It looks like a variegated Pittosporum to me. I would cut it back in mid April - pruning before then risks new growth being damaged by late frosts.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thank you. I'm glad I can safely prune the bush. Roll on spring so i can get started.
You can do it now, frost won't harm pittosporum, tough as old boots.
Even better. Thank you
I've seen new growth badly damaged by frost - but it's up to you
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Dove, it's dormant, it won't set new growth till it warms up, and it's only going to get colder according to forecasts.
I wouldn't prune until March . Find something else to do rather than take a risk albeit a small one
...I would leave it until May, after it's flowered.... that is one of the reasons for growing Pittosporum to delight in the wonderful evening scent from its flowers, late April/May time.... it would be such a shame to miss out on that... and if it was mine, I would think it a bit pointless to do it right now, quite honestly...