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Post by wildlifefriendly on May 11, 2011 17:59:21 GMT
I am fairly certain this is a Viburnum, when it flowers the blooms look and smell the same. It is one of the shrubs which was originally in the garden when we bought it. It was overgrown with loads of self sown 'stuff', during the winter I cleared it all and was going to bin this too but then it flowered  . The shrub resembles a nest of snakes, it has been growing in all directions in desperate search of light. I've had a look on the internet but there is nothing as deformed as this so their pruning regime doesn't fit. Shall I just cut it down to ground level and pray? Alternatively I could chop half out this year and the other half next year. Any advice?  |
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Post by merlin on May 11, 2011 18:36:20 GMT
I think I would be inclined to cut half now and hard prune later. It doesn't look like it's getting enough light though.
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Post by wildlifefriendly on May 11, 2011 19:02:43 GMT
It was very overcrowded but I have cut down a huge Guilder Rose and got rid of all the brambles behind the wall, it will have as much light as it is possible to have now.
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Post by Cherry on May 11, 2011 19:20:44 GMT
WF. I had a Spiraea which was quite old and did this. There were leaves on the ends of the branches. I took softwood cuttings with these because I couldn't stand the look of it any longer and got rid of the plant. I think the cuttings have taken.
This viburnum can be saved successfully I think, but take cuttings from the bits you cut off and hack away. I would leave all the bottom green and that part looks quite bushy and attractive.
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Post by Lou78W on May 11, 2011 19:26:25 GMT
I would "go for broke" and cut the whole lot back to the bottom...thats my opinion for what its worth   |
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Post by merlin on May 11, 2011 19:30:56 GMT
Could you take layered cuttings? Because it flowers so early you need to prune/chop it at the right time, unfortunately I'm not sure when that would be.
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Post by wildlifefriendly on May 11, 2011 21:24:55 GMT
It seems cuttings are fairly easy and can be taken soon. I'll take some cuttings and then cut it back.
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Post by wildlifefriendly on May 13, 2011 21:13:30 GMT
I took a few cuttings today and cut the shrub right back. If it doesn't regrow it doesn't matter, it looks so much better without all the spaghetti |
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Post by Cherry on May 14, 2011 5:33:57 GMT
Of course it looks better, and good news, it will rejuvenate to the shape you are looking for. Honest. I have four of these and one is being squashed out in just the same way now, but another had the treatment you are giving yours. Two others are fabulous, with one being a particularly good form. I love these.
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