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Potentilla

Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
in Problem solving

I have a Potentilla which has become very loose and lanky with lots of bare bits at the bottom and the new flowers at the top.  Is the right time to give it a severe pruning, or should I leave it till after it flowers?  I was going to prune it after flowering last year, but it carried on flowering till the weather was too horrible to go out and cut it back!

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Poly go ahead and give a good haircut. They flower on new wood so it'll be better for it. A mulch and a feed afterwards will give it a boost as well.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    how far would you cut it back Dave? I've got one like thisimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    I've reduced them to 6 inches in the past and they come back. I've seen others take them even lower and they don't seem to mind. If they like their conditions they thrive on a bit of butchery.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Thanks Dave, I'm not sure mine does like its conditions but kill or cure, I'll get the secateurs on it tomorrowimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Well nut they're easy peasy to propagate so why not.

  • Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155

    Am I missing something here?  I can't see a reply from Dave image but I'm assuming from Nutcutlet's comment, the answer is to give it a haircut now?

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Yes poly now is fine.

  • TootlesTootles Posts: 1,469

    Ive just bought some seed. Such a lovely plant. I hope I can get them going.

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