What plant is this and should I prune it back

Quite a sorry looking specimen, I have forgotten what the name of this plant is and as you can see though it flowers with nice small yellow flowers it looks very leggy and woody!

Anyone provide guidance as to how I should look after this

thanks

 

Cotton lavender? Only occurring to me because Monty planted some on Gardeners World this week!

 

Yes, Santolina chamaecyparissus. It needs trimming over lightly (like Lavender) every year, ideally. When it's gone leggy like that, cut it back hard to about 4" / 10cm. Give it a drink and a feed if it's in a pot and it should rejuvenate OK. Cuttings are very easy, so stick a few in a pot of gritty compost just in case

 

It also needs lots of sun as well as well-drained soil/compost. I had one (the soil here suits them) but it died after next door replaced their fence with a taller one so it was in shade for longer each day. It was quite elderly and had been cut back hard and regrown any number of times, so it might have been on its way out anyway but I think the reduction in sun finished it off.

 

Thanks for the advice I will try trimming it. when is the best time to trim back?

 

Anytime other than midwinter