Leycesteria Formosa

I have had a Leycesteria for about 15 years but it is now getting tall and woody and not particulary great to look at.

I have now brought on two small ones, from self seeds, over this past two years.

Can anyone advise me how and when it is best to prune to maintain less woody growth.

Platty

 

here's a snippet from the BBC gardening site, their April what to do page -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/today_in_your_garden/jobs_april.shtml

 

Thank you for that lead.

Platty

 

Prune it any way you want. It'll grow back next year with no trouble, 4-6 feet a year is not unusual.

I bought mine in 1975 for 75p in Woolworths. The whole family has them now. Just dig up seedlings, pot them up and plant them where you want them.

 

I prune mine the same way I do Buddleas.
In February I cut them down to about 3" from the ground, they seem quite happy with that and they always grow about 5 feet.

 

I pruned mine on Saturday, it looks very pathetic now but I live in hope that it will grow. :D

 

If by any chance it doesn't Celia I have a rooted cutting you could have

 

We have cut ours down about two weeks ago.We have only had ours a couple of years but we are amazed just how tall and quickly they grow.The flowers are fantastic.Such a lovely colour.

 

Thank you for the offer Blackthorn, I'll let you know how it goes.