can i prune my bottlebrush

kent, United Kingdom

last year my bottlebrush was spectacular, but this year although it has flowered the flowers have been more sparse and not so vivid in colour, we have never cut it back since we planted it as not sure whether it is possible but i am sure one of you kind people out there will know the correct way to look after this tree.

7 Jul, 2009

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Answers

Margaret39

Hi Millie

I put a picture of my bottlebrush on G.O.U a week or so ago, which was the best year for flower. In Jan/Feb I really chopped it back hard as it had got huge. It obviously did mine nothing but good. I don't want you to do the same in case it harms yours. I'm sure someone knows the right way to prune it.
Margaret39

7 Jul, 2009

Bernieh

Hi Millie - over here (in Oz) we prune bottlebrushes heavily when they become straggly and new growth flourishes quickly. Our bottlebrushes can last for anything from 20 to 40 years and don't mind a heavy prune. Also, when the flower display is over - trim off flowerheads at the base of the flower spike and this will encourage re-flowering and a more compact shrub.

7 Jul, 2009

Bertiefox

Just to say thanks for the advice from GOY members on pruning these bushes. We've just been given one and I had no idea of how to treat it now it's finished flowering.

7 Jul, 2009

Millie

Thanks for the advice Bernieh we have also a white one different variety but it has not flowered as yet as is only approx one metre high.

7 Jul, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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