cutting back a clematis

Lyn,

I have found I too love clipping away at shrubs and climbers, sometimes I have to really resist the urge to go mad. I do have very bushy plants through it though.

 

I've just cut a 6 foot variegated pieris into a standard .

I didn't mean to , it just sort of happened.


Pre pruning



Whoops The 6 foot Pieris is now a 4 foot standard.

 

:lollol::lollol::lollol:tell me about it-I only meant to trim a hebe into shape earlier this year, it lost about 80% off it`s size-but it`s good for it ( or so I told my hubby who has since tried to hide the secauteurs):lollol::lollol::lollol::lollol:

 

Hello all, I've just resubscribed after a lengthy absence. I have "inherited" a Montana (moved house and acquired by default) and a loganberry bush, which are within about 3 feet of each other and fighting for possession of the trellis. My fab mother-in-law has taught me how to keep on top of the logan, but I don't know how to deal with poor Montana, which has sprawled vigorously and liberally, (and blossoms beautifully,) and I'm terrified to cut her back too hard in case I damage her - I read that Montanas are delicate. When you say "trim to keep it tidy", how much should I trim?

 

Lyn and Lolly I'm glad your not my hairdresser.s00k:lollol:

 

I'm afraid I've found the joys of cutting things back. Haven't turned any bushes into standards - yet. The honeysuckles are next for the chop - somehow a trim won't do the job, they're trying to take over the front garden from the side bit) so perhaps a short back and sides will do. :lollol: I've been using the hedge clippers to keep them from taking over too much of the side bit next to the house but it now needs sorting properly, with much digging out of the bits that have rooted along the way. :dh:

 

Would you like me and lollipop to show you. s00k :lollol:


Sorry , trim , I would say is just to take off the untidy sticking out bits.
But I can never seem to manage to do that myself.

 

Gsylass, Montanas are far from delicate but for now, just cut out any dead or straggly growth. Don`t overdo it or you may miss out on the flowers next year.:thumb::D

 

Thanks guys! (lol @ lyn!) I shall brave an attempt with the secateurs...

 

I am trying to decide if sheep shearers aren`t best for the job!

 

Would that be Australian sheep shearers, Claire?:rotfl:

 

As I have never grown a 'tame' honeysuckle, are they as aromatic as wild one's which I used to have growing at the bottom of my garden in my previous residence...used to smell gorgeous at evening and night time?

 

Tweaky, you need Lonicera periclymenum. Welcome back, by the way.:thumb:

 

Cheers Dave, for both things.:thumb: