Two plants and a pruning question

Hello to you all!

New here on the forum. I've inherited two plants at my house (pictured).

Any idea what they are?

And any idea on how/when to prune them? They are getting a bit oversize and need to keep them controlled, nothing drastic

 

Hi Mashedpotato The variegated one with red new leaves appears to be a pieris, and the other is a small rhododendron. They look lovely - I'd be reluctant to prune them! But you can move rhododendron relatively easily because they form a root ball. If you're determined though, I'd take out a few of the pieris stems down to a lower branch. I wouldn't like to prune the rhododendron because I wouldn't be sure it would break nicely (ie start growing from lower point)

 

Welcome to the forums Mashedpotato.
I agree with CarolineL.
Please do not prune either.
Rather move one or both to give them more room.
Both shrubs look so strong and healthy just now.

 

In the peak district where rhododendrons have naturalised and gone wild, the national park authority cuts them right down to a few inches off the ground every year or so. They always come back.

But now is not the time. They'll be awake by now, and won't like to be disturbed too much. Besides, cutting them now means you'll miss out on the flowers.

 

clueless1 that is a very different thing.
That is Rhododendron ponticum which is an extremely invasive shrub with beautiful purple flowers. In many areas of the UK it is being killed deliberately with chemical injected into the stem to stop it spreading. Other authorities are just cutting it back as a way of limiting it..

https://www.glendoick.com/pubd/images/upd/14d5da19ea8-98dbced4df5ccbfc2462b56473d9542c.1400.jpg

The special named garden Rhodo hybrids do not have the robust,invasive nature.
It may survive being cut to the ground..or it could just die.

 

Thanks to you all - yes they are very healthy, just getting crowded.

A small rhodedendron makes total sense now you mention it, haven't really seen them like that before.

I like the idea of moving one. Will go for that when the time is right.

 

There are many named Rhodo's some are huge shrubs/trees with enormous blousy flowers.... others are neat compact dwarfs.
Your one may be Rhododendron Ptarmigan...a slow dwarf one.
Enjoy it it looks so very happy.
If you want to move it it can be done at any time ...just make sure you dig an area bigger than the roots and it will not eve notice it has been moved...water well.

rhododendron ptarmigan - Google Search

The Pieris looks like Pieris Little Heath.Another slow, low growing shrub.

pieris little heath - Google Search