Is that a sambucus? I cut mine down a few weeks ago in a warmer week because I dont want it too big and its shooting away happily I think they are quite tough.

Did mine today

Now is a good time.

accordinf to the gardeners world web site "To produce the best coloured leaves, prune plants back to ground level every year in early spring"

I let mine develop a 4 foot tall trunk and prune quite hard bact to that trunk at this time of year leaving a head of shoots.

Remember if you prune drastically though you won't get any flowers.

That sounds as though it may be true Stereagram but there's no mention of this in the book I usually rely on for pruning tips

Trust me on this.