By Barbiehewitt
United Kingdom 
I have a lavertia(i think thats how you spell it) and as the garden hasnt been looked after it has bent the trunk of it searching for light,Now can i cut it right down to see if it will staighten up this year or not? There were a lot of shrubs and small trees in this circle including an elderberry and holly and budlier(again spelling)
5 Jan, 2013
Answers
I'd recommend hard pruning every year. These shrubs grow very fast - at least six feet every growing season
5 Jan, 2013
They do tend to grow rather crooked though - lovely flowers but not a very neat habit.
5 Jan, 2013
Thank you for your fast replys, as the trunk comes out of the ground it bends straight away so hopefully i will not lose it if i prune it down lower than two ft. appreciate all your help.
6 Jan, 2013
yes you can prune lavatera [ I had to look up the spelling:o) ] quite harshly. I used to have one that I cut down to 2ft every 3 years. Do it in late February/early March. Its growth will be more upright. then next year you can prune it less harshly to get the shape and size you want.
5 Jan, 2013