In article ,
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I have a Fargesia Murieliae "Willow" which is well-behaved, and
has been in position for about 9 years. I would now like to
thin out the clump a little.

I have read suggestions that it can be pruned in spring, but one
problem I have is that, peering into the clump, I can't readily
distinguish what I should be cutting. Apart from some very thin
and short old dry stems, consistent with its size when first
planted, everything else appears much the same, with stems green,
and about as thick as a pencil.

What should I be cutting out?

Chris

Start with the thin stuff and the obviously old, then its by eye, first
make the overall clump as you want it spread wise then take out enough
stems to create the effect you want (allways take the stems to the base)
I like to be able to see through my clumps but it doesnt matter, timing
wise now is good because you will not damage the new growth while
removing the old.
--
Charlie Pridham, Gardening in Cornwall
www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of national collections of Clematis viticella cultivars and
Lapageria rosea