Shrub ID and taming advice

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by 2lap, Jun 8, 2010.

  1. 2lap

    2lap Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2008
    Messages:
    15
    Ratings:
    +0
    Hi all

    I've got this shrub in a shrubbery outside my house. Can anyone provide an ID for the plant and then provide me with pruning advice. The plant covers a foot print of about 8 square meters and is about 1.8m high.

    Here are the pics... all taken today... (Sorry I couldn't embed pics).

    http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IkuAhyCvN3AEDvy10ALgGw?feat=directlink

    http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UF9IFf-NRJ0GpTCK9LEdZw?feat=directlink

    http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G4Uxi6elN983S01dYrf79g?feat=directlink

    Thanks in advance
     
    2lap, Jun 8, 2010
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2006
    Messages:
    31,971
    Occupation:
    Lady of Leisure
    Location:
    Messines, Algarve
    Ratings:
    +59,087
    Hello 2lap

    My first thought was White Escallonia and second thought Spirea thunbergii ... and it would depend which it is as to when it should be pruned.

    Obviously someone more knowledge than I on shrubs will come along shortly.
     
    Victoria, Jun 8, 2010
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,127
    Hi 2lap, it looks like an Escallonia to me too in fact I think it is Escallonia iveyi..
    [FONT=ARIAL,HELVETICA]They are a group of about 60 different types. They are all shrubs & nearly all evergreen or semi evergreen.. They are mainly grown for their colourful flowers, but their foliage is also attractive, making them good all-year-round shrubs. The flowers are mainly bell-shaped, although there are some with flatter forms. The colours vary from white through pink to bright red. They flower from late spring into summer and often intermittently beyond into autumn and so are worthy of a relatively prominent position.

    The leaves are a glossy green and usually quite small. Most of the common varieties are hardy but some are a little tender & will need protection in winter, but yours isn't one of those you have a hardy one... Escallonias will grow in any fertile, well-drained soil. Remove up to a third of the old wood every year to promote young vigorous growth.    [/FONT]..
    :thumb: With yours wait until it has finished flowering then reduce by 1.3 all ocer & give it a nice shape... Stand back every few snips to make sure you are keeping your shape, but they are very tough once established.. :thumb:
     
    Marley Farley, Jun 8, 2010
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. Lovage

    Lovage Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2009
    Messages:
    198
    Ratings:
    +0
    Hard to tell without a close up but from the growth habit I would say a cotoneaster, probably C. horizontalis.
    Does it have small berries after the flowers?
    If it is a cotoneaster you can be as ruthless as you like with the pruning, you won't kill it but it will grow back rapidly. Also to maintain some shape it's better to remove complete branches rather than leaving cut stub ends
     
    Lovage, Jun 8, 2010
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2006
    Messages:
    31,971
    Occupation:
    Lady of Leisure
    Location:
    Messines, Algarve
    Ratings:
    +59,087
    Lovage, I would not have said that ... as I did not ... but I had an ancient one (said to be 80 years old or more) in Bucks ... and I think you are right ... it is a Cotoneaster horizontalis ....


    [​IMG]


    I knew I knew the flower with those little spots and the leaves ... goodness, I even had a 13 year old Bonsai of it here which only died a couple of years ago ... :dh:
     
    Victoria, Jun 8, 2010
    #5 Quote in Conversation
  6. 2lap

    2lap Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2008
    Messages:
    15
    Ratings:
    +0
    Looks like Cotoneaster horizontalis flowers found on google, but not the growth habit as it is a big bush. Also, I've not noticed berries. I'll have a closer look tomorrow.... thanks for the help. :-)
     
    2lap, Jun 9, 2010
    #6 Quote in Conversation
Loading...
Similar Threads - Shrub taming advice
  1. Kevin Cowans

    When Pruning Shrubs can overlong Branches be Shortened or.....

    Kevin Cowans, Mar 2, 2025, in forum: Other Plants
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    310
    Kevin Cowans
    Mar 3, 2025
  2. Astraeus

    Shrub/statement plant, good for wildlife for south facing site?

    Astraeus, Feb 15, 2025, in forum: Other Plants
    Replies:
    15
    Views:
    959
    Plantminded
    Feb 19, 2025
  3. bluegeranium

    Should I remove Ivy from shrub?

    bluegeranium, Feb 4, 2025, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    461
    infradig
    Feb 5, 2025
  4. Astraeus

    What are these shrubs please?

    Astraeus, Dec 3, 2024, in forum: Identification Area
    Replies:
    1
    Views:
    650
    Plantminded
    Dec 3, 2024
  5. Scotlandcorner

    Moving large/old woody shrubs

    Scotlandcorner, Nov 17, 2024, in forum: NEW Gardeners !
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    1,082
    ViewAhead
    Nov 20, 2024

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice