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| I recently moved into an older house with many very mature shrubs including this boxwood. (I believe it's a boxwood at least -- I am new to outdoor gardening having only had container gardens before.) Most of these shrubs, like the one in the photo at the link below, look really nice and lush on top but have tons of woody stems at the bottom. Should I remove the woody stems, or prune back some of the top growth? Is it too late for these plants? Many are around 8 feet tall. Thank you!
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l170/bernardi_2006/shrubs3.jpg PS: I think I posted this in the wrong place the first time; I apologize! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Thu, Sep 16, 10 at 21:10
| try the html code at pbucket ... on preview.. if you see it.. we will see it ... regardless.. what do you have to lose... ken |
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| You know, I can't really tell for certain what it is. Unless someone jumps in here who is positive, how about letting us see a close up of one stem and some leaves? Anyway, MOST shrubs respond pretty well to what is called rejuvenation pruning, which entails cutting the offending shrub ALL of the way back to the ground (or nearly so). That means 6 inch stumps or even less. The resulting growth will be lush, full, and gorgeous. However, it is not a good time to put a plant through this stressful business. I'd wait until the days begin to get longer again in the early spring (late winter)....then you can stand back and watch it explode in new growth. What part of the country do you live? Some overgrown shrubs can also be limbed UP so that they look like small trees with exposed trunks. You'd be quite surprised at how attractive this can be for many types of woody ornamental shrubs. But if you want a green-to-the-ground look, the first option is the way to go. |
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- Posted by christinela 8b (My Page) on Fri, Sep 17, 10 at 14:26
| Thanks, rhizo_1 ! Here is a close up photo. But I think that is a good idea regarding cutting off the bottom. I like the look of a "tree." I am glad to know that won't kill the shrub. I live in Los Angeles but it's been a very mild summer so I think I need to treat it more like I would in a slightly cooler climate. |
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| That's Confederate Jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides. It's not a shrub, but a rather aggressive woody vine. |
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