Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: Yorkie on January 27, 2019, 15:57

Title: Pruning a variegated shrub thing
Post by: Yorkie on January 27, 2019, 15:57

I have an evergreen shrub which is variegated.  It's now about 5' tall and about 4' diameter, and needs to be smaller.

When would be a good idea to prune it?  Winter or summer?  It's got small leaves but don't ask me to name it!!

Title: Re: Pruning a variegated shrub thing
Post by: JayG on January 27, 2019, 16:56

If it's a euonymus (you'd have to look it up) I just treat mine like a hedge (which after about 20 years they are!)

They get clipped and shaped with the hedge trimmer at the same time I do the privet - they seem to be nearly as long-suffering and I'm actually rather fond of them.  :wub:

Title: Re: Pruning a variegated shrub thing
Post by: Yorkie on January 27, 2019, 18:24

Thanks JayG   :)

I have my suspicions that it's not a euonymus - the leaves are smaller than the euonymus I've got, and it's a circular rather than flat shrub, self-supporting.

I'll try to research what it is / take a photo when it's light.

Out of interest, when do you prune your euonymus?

Title: Re: Pruning a variegated shrub thing
Post by: snowdrops on January 27, 2019, 18:59

Does it flower at all?
I’d prune in mid spring, as if it was a hydrangea

Title: Re: Pruning a variegated shrub thing
Post by: sunshineband on January 28, 2019, 08:28

Does it have black stems? Possibly a Pittosporum, as that has smaller leaves than Euonymis? If so, pruning at the start of Spring to bring it to the height/shape you want works well, and new leaves grow quite quickly. They are fairly forgiving of  a little haircut in the Summer too

Title: Re: Pruning a variegated shrub thing
Post by: Yorkie on January 30, 2019, 19:27

Definitely not a hydrangea, don't think it has black stems.  I'll take a piccie in the daylight!!