Pruning Leycesteria Formosa
 

Hi,
I have one of these in my garden. For various reasons, I didn't prune in the autumn as I normally do, so I'm setting about it now. I know from past years that the plant grows substantially in the summer. Is it OK at this time of year to prune really hard? I'm always reluctant to do so in case I kill it, but how much could I cut back if I start now. And should I cut one in three to ground level? Thanks.

Pruning Leycesteria Formosa
 

On 21/04/2013 16:16, ploppygb wrote:
Hi,
I have one of these in my garden. For various reasons, I didn't prune
in the autumn as I normally do, so I'm setting about it now. I know
from past years that the plant grows substantially in the summer. Is it
OK at this time of year to prune really hard? I'm always reluctant to
do so in case I kill it, but how much could I cut back if I start now.
And should I cut one in three to ground level? Thanks.

It's a bit like buddleia. Tends to go mad and get a bit too vigorous
without a good hack. I wouldn't cut it all back, but maybe to 45 - 60
cm height. Leave some of the new sprouting growth untouched as a
backup. I wouldn't worry too much, as if it has been flowering and
fruiting for the past few years, you will have seedlings coming up all
over the place.

--

Jeff