What plant is this and should I prune it back

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Will Hay, Jul 1, 2024 at 9:54 AM.

  1. Will Hay

    Will Hay Gardener

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    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

    IMG_8126.jpg
     
  2. Escarpment

    Escarpment Keen Gardener

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    Cotton lavender? Only occurring to me because Monty planted some on Gardeners World this week!
     
  3. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

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    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 :)
     
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    • JennyJB

      JennyJB Keen Gardener

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      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.
       
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