On 2009-10-24 10:09:16 +0100, Janet Tweedy said:

I wonder if i can check something from anyone who knows.
A friend bought some time ago, a vib. Carlessii from Wisley, (she liked
the look apparently)
Anyway she planted it in front of a window................
Apart from that she suddenly asked which leader she ought to cut back
so it looked more like a tree. Intrigued i went round to have a look to
find she had left two zonking great 'suckers' of the ordinary viburnum
opulus grow up from beneath the ground. The calresii is still only
about 4 foot at most whilst the suckers are now 8 or 9 foot high.
I didn't know but i am assuming Vib. C. is grafted and if so do i tear
the suckers off the stem or saw them off for her? Which would be best
and what height should a Vib. carelssii eventually achieve?

Janet

Some Viburnums are grafted but we're out of stock, so I can't rush out
and check V. carlesii! Eventually, they grow to somewhere around 6' -
8'. Isn't the received wisdom to tear off suckers rather than cut
them because cutting is like pruning to encourage growth? I think the
idea is that tearing off suckers (repeat, if necessary) weakens the bud
from which they grow.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon