To prune or not to prune, that is the question

Hi everyone,

This garden is new to me, although has been very well tended by the previous owner for 35 years. I have never had many shrubs, so have a steep learning curve.

Accordingly to Picturethis, this is a Dasiphora fruticosa, Shrubby cinquefoil. It is about 2-2.5 metres, I don't think it has been pruned for a long time, as there are very few flowers of buds, not that many leaves, apart from the outer areas, it is completely bare, but covered in lichen.

RHS says it is Pruning Group 1, late spring and doesn't need much pruning. However, due to the size and condition it, I wondered if it might benefit from a harder prune to revingiourate it? And if so, when might be the best time please? It is an area of the front garden that is a bit more shady, just for info.

Many thanks, as always for your sage advice

 

Hello Barders, given it's age and condition, there's nothing to lose by chopping it hard back. Feed and water it afterwards and it might rejuvenate. If it doesn't you've got a new planting opportunity

 

Thank you @noisette47 , that is a good idea. I am always a bit hesitant to cut things back hard, in case I kill something, but the buddleja come back every year and the hardy fuchsias I thought had had it after all the snow in December are coming back, I should have more faith in nature (and myself ).

I will get it done this week, so it still has the rest of spring and all of summer to rejuvenate. Otherwise, as you say, I can look for something nice to replace it.

Merci, et je vous souhaite une bonne semaine de jardinage ensoleillée

 

Avec plaisir! Que le soleil brille sur vous et votre jardin également